On Thursday 3rd August, the Black British Business Awards (BBBAwards) announced the finalists for their 2023 ceremony, celebrating a decade of excellence in recognizing Black professionals and entrepreneurs in the United Kingdom. Among the distinguished nominees is Gail Waterman, the founder of the renowned hair growth brand Watermans, who has been shortlisted for the prestigious “Entrepreneur, Senior Leader of the Year” award.
The BBBAwards have long been acknowledged as the premier UK awards ceremony, honouring the exceptional contributions and achievements of Black talents across various industries. This year marks their 10th Anniversary, and the awards ceremony will take place at the InterContinental London, Park Lane, on 13th October.
This year’s edition celebrates both rising stars and seasoned leaders across six categories, representing influential companies such as Netflix, Accenture, Sky, Farfetch, ASOS, LinkedIn, KPMG, and outstanding startups spanning diverse sectors, including publishing and healthcare.
Gail Waterman’s nomination as a finalist in the “Entrepreneur Senior Leader of the Year” category is a testament to her tenacity and entrepreneurial spirit. Coming from humble beginnings in a UK south Yorkshire pit village called Elsecar, Gail encountered racism and narrow-mindedness as the community’s only young girl of colour. Despite the challenges, she persisted and overcame obstacles to rise as a successful entrepreneur.
Her globally acclaimed hair growth product Grow Me shampoo has transformed Watermans into a multimillion-dollar international brand, with sales occurring every 30 seconds worldwide. Watermans Hair Growth brand has become a symbol of triumph over adversity and a beacon of hope for aspiring entrepreneurs of colour.
Gail’s inspiring journey exemplifies the resilience and determination of Black business leaders, breaking barriers and challenging stereotypes. The BBBAwards ceremony in 2023 promises to be a grand celebration of achievements, marked by its significance as a cornerstone of Black History Month in the UK. The event will be attended by esteemed business leaders, government officials, and influential figures of all races from across the nation.
The Black British Business Awards are proud to announce Gail Waterman as a 2023 finalist for the “Entrepreneur Senior Leader of the Year” award. This remarkable achievement serves as a testament to her tenacity and entrepreneurial spirit, and celebrates her inspiring journey as a successful business leader. Join us on 13th October at the InterContinental London, Park Lane, to honour Gail Waterman and other outstanding Black professionals and entrepreneurs.
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Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.