The founders of a luxury grooming company and a shade-inclusive tights brand are among 25 people named on a power list of black entrepreneurs.
Oje Ohonyo, who created Beard Surgeon, and Tahlia Gray of Sheer Chemistry, are among the business leaders to feature in the 2025 Wray Forward Powerbook.
The list is compiled by Jamaica rum brand Wray & Nephew in partnership with business growth organisation Foundervine and recognises entrepreneurs transforming the norms of enterprise in the UK.
All of the people featured have taken part in the Wray Forward programme – a free UK scheme for black-owned enterprises. The initiative has supported more than 3,800 entrepreneurs across 24 industries over the past three years.
The second annual edition of the Powerbook was curated by a panel of seven independent judges who measured each Wray Forward member’s growth including revenue, headcount and fundraising. The list covers a diverse range of sectors, backgrounds, business sizes and operational locations.
“Wray Forward is about more than funding and mentorship – it’s about rewriting the story of who gets to lead, build, and thrive in business,” said Cecil Adjalo, co-founder and COO at Foundervine.
“We’re proud to work alongside Wray & Nephew to create real pathways for Black entrepreneurs to succeed. In this fourth year of this partnership, our mission remains clear: dismantle the barriers, amplify the brilliance, and build a future where opportunity is truly equitable.”
The launch comes as research commissioned by Wray & Nephew reveals over four-fifths (81%) of black business owners find it challenging to raise funding to start their business, in comparison to just over one-half (56%) of white counterparts.
The figures also reveal that over half (54%) of black business owners believe a lack of resources is impacting their business, with 59% admitting to struggling due to the lack of investment.
“This is more than just a list – it’s a celebration of vision, hustle and the vibrant spirit of our community,” said Laurin Donkor, programme associate manager for Foundervine and Wray & Nephew.
“The Powerbook is a testament to the power of bold ideas and the impact that changemakers can have in building a better future.
“Join us in celebrating these incredible entrepreneurs, and get inspired by their stories.”
The winners of the Wray Forward Powerbook 2025
- Abi Adefisan – Yumchop Foods
- Anthony Williams – The All Inclusives
- Augustina Falade – Life Without Borders CIC
- Berne Omolafe – Pryntd
- Cairon Clarke – Zynta
- Chantel Daniel – The Good Coffee Project
- Dean Bryce – Don’t Sleep
- Elizabeth Binitie – VARO
- Eva Thorne – The Garden of Eva
- James Kaguima – Skate Cabal
- Matthew Addai – Cashblack
- Moz Stewart – The Right 2 Rent Register CIC
- Nicole Klutse – La Noir Property Group
- Oje Ohonyon – Beard Surgeon
- Sandra Adu – Black Girls in Design
- Savannah Simms – We Are Impact CIC
- Tahlia Gray – Sheer Chemistry
- Teelo Vasiliou – Frame Perfect, The Collective Production Company
- Tobi Akinyemi -TwoShot
- Tracy Durrant – Everyone’s A Singer CIC
- Troy Johnson – Sweet Dee’s Jerk (SDJ Group Ltd.)
- Tyron Salih – Twerk’N’Jerk
- Ufuoma Anighoro – Marvellous Mix
- Vanessa Austin – Manna Eating
- WÅ«nmi Malaolu – Yum Puff Treats
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