Why Sting, Bob Geldof and £200 billion of British businesses are teaming up in Edinburgh

Rockstars Sting and Bob Geldof are teaming up with an Edinburgh-based charity to help launch the UK’s largest business awards.

The British Business Awards, a night of glitz and glamour at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre in April, is expected to bring together 2,000 entrepreneurs and leaders representing firms with a combined turnover of more than £200 billion.

The event is being spearheaded by Social Bite founder Josh Littlejohn along with Natwest Group and will recognise the achievements of businesses across the country. The awards are chaired by Alan Jope CBE, former CEO of Unilever.

Josh Littlejohn of Social Bite, Shaf Rasul and Alan Jope of Natwest launch the National Business Awards | Greg Macvean Photography

The dinner will include a fireside chat and unplugged music performance from activist, solo artist and former Police frontman Sting. Comedian and TV star Rob Brydon will host, and Sir Bob Geldof - the event’s patron - will give a keynote address in the year he marks the 40th anniversary of Band Aid.

Mr 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.”

Sting will perform an unplugged set at the awards | Frame

The event will be run on a not-for-profit basis and has set a target of raising £1million for this year’s beneficiary charity, Social Bite.

James Holian, head of business banking and international retail for 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.”

Mr 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.”

Josh Littlejohn of Social Bite, Shaf Rasul and Alan Jope of Natwest launch the National Business Awards | Greg Macvean Photography

Mr Littlejohn, who previously founded the Scottish Business Awards which attracted keynote speakers including President Bill Clinton, Sir Richard Branson, George Clooney and Leonardo DiCaprio, added: “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.”

NatWest Group and Josh Littlejohn MBE, founder of Social Bite, launch The British Business Awards, supported by Sting, Sir Bob Geldof, Alan Jope CBE as chair, and 18 leaders from British industry | Frame / Canva

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.

The independent judging panel is made up of 18 luminaries from British industry including: Phil Urban, CEO of Mitchells & Butlers; Emma Crystal, CEO of Coutts Bank; Sharan Parischa, founder of Gleneagles Hotel’s parent company Ennismore, Shaf Rasul, serial entrepreneur and investor; and Vinodka Murria OBE, known as the ‘Queen of Tech’ having founded three tech companies that have a “multi-unicorn’” valuation in excess of $2.5 billion (£2 billion).

For further information on the awards or for more details on how to enter visit: www.britishbusinessawards.co.uk