To launch National Inspirational Role Model Month, the UK’s leading awards ceremony celebrating women of colour in business, The Precious Awards, announces the 2021 nominees. Celebrating its milestone fifteenth year, the awards is back, highlighting the best in British female talent.

The Awards recognise exceptional determination, innovation, entrepreneurial skills, and talent across multiple categories. Consequently, they have prompted successive UK Prime Ministers, and leading voices from across the political spectrum, to passionately proclaim their support and admiration.

After the global pandemic took the event virtual last year, the team are looking forward to meeting nominees and guests in person at London’s Waldorf Hotel.

“I’m so proud to celebrate another year of The PRECIOUS Awards” says founder Foluke Akinlose MBE “For 15 years we’ve highlighted the phenomenal achievements of women of colour in entrepreneurship, leadership and work and this year is no exception.

“As I reflect on all we have achieved together, I’m reminded that we still need to do more to make sure that women of colour are given the opportunities to start and grow businesses and thrive within the workplace” continued Foluke.

“I hope that the wider community will work alongside us to acknowledge and reward these women throughout the years. A huge congratulations to the 2021 nominees, it’s an honour to welcome them to the PRECIOUS family!”

Applications were received from across the business landscape in categories such as Small Business of the Year, Outstanding Woman in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) and Young Entrepreneur of the Year.

The nominees include diverse children’s book publisher and early years hub Little Scholars Playground co-founder, Natalie Bent. Natalie is nominated in the Start Up Business of the Year category and said of her nomination “A lot of hard work and passion has gone into Little Scholars Playground and to already be a finalist for an award is humbling. After having a baby and then going into lockdown, I’m looking forward to getting my glad rags on for the award ceremony”

Awards sponsor The Open University said “The Open University is proud to sponsor the Precious Awards. It is important to us to recognise and celebrate racially minoritised women who have achieved outstanding accomplishments in their field, often against the odds. As an organisation, we pride ourselves on partnering with organisations that have the same values and a strong sense of equity and inclusion.”

The winners will be announced on Wednesday 24 November 2021. You can find out more about the awards at https://preciousawards.com/