SIR Bob Geldof and Sting are among the major names supporting a new business awards scheme coming to Edinburgh.
The British Business Awards were founded by NatWest Group and Josh Littlejohn, the founder of Social Bite, and are designed to recognise the achievements of significant companies and leaders across the UK.
Ran on a not-for-profit basis, the awards hope to raise £1m for Social Bite, who are also this year’s beneficiary charity.
The event will take place on 24 April at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC), where a host of major celebrities will be in attendance.
The evening – which is expected to attract important UK-based companies and 2,000 business leaders – will be hosted by comedian and presenter Rob Brydon.
Sir Bob Geldof, who is celebrating the 40th anniversary of Band Aid this year, will also deliver a keynote address at what is anticipated to be the largest business dinner in the UK.
The Police frontman, Sting, will also feature with an unplugged music performance and a fireside chat.
There are 18 award categories to enter including: entrepreneur of the year, socially responsible business of the year, international business of the year, employer of the year and retail business of the year.
To enter businesses are required to submit a 1,000 word written application by 7 March 2025.
The independent judging panel is made up of 18 key figures from British industry including; Phil Urban, CEO of Mitchells & Butlers; Emma Crystal, CEO of Coutts Bank and Sharan Parischa, founder of Gleneagles Hotel’s parent company Ennismore.
Josh Littlejohn MBE had previously founded the Scottish Business Awards, which went on to attract keynote speakers including President Bill Clinton, Sir Richard Branson, George Clooney and Leonardo DiCaprio.
Sir Bob Geldof, British Business Awards patron, said: “The British Business Awards is a vital event.
“For one night, the leaders of British business will come together in Edinburgh to celebrate success and make a difference. I look forward to seeing you on the night”
Alan Jope CBE, chair of the judging panel, said: “The British Business Awards will bring together entrepreneurs and leaders from across the UK for one amazing night in Edinburgh, to celebrate their achievements.
“As well as enjoying the proud distinction of being nominated or winning, businesses will be helping to raise vital funds for the most vulnerable people in society.”
James Holian, head of business banking and international retail, NatWest Group said: “As the UK’s biggest bank for business, NatWest is proud to support the launch of the British Business Awards.
“This event is the perfect way to bring together the UK’s leading companies and entrepreneurs to recognise their achievements and make a difference.
“I look forward to hearing about the many success stories on the night.”
Josh Littlejohn MBE, founding partner of the British Business Awards said: “British Business has seen a huge amount of change, turmoil and challenge over recent years, yet despite this we seeing companies continue to thrive to be major market leaders across the world.
“The British Business Awards will recognise the very best of entrepreneurship, innovation and growth, as well as supporting the important work of Social Bite in tackling homelessness across the UK.”
