Following a staggering number of public votes, the finalists for the highly anticipated Multicultural INSPIRE Awards have now been announced. Thousands across the country picked their winners, resulting in a final shortlist that shines a well-deserved light on the nation's most inspirational people.
After receiving applications in the thousands, the public chose finalists across the 12 categories. Among them are the eventual 12 category winners who will be crowned at a ceremony in Birmingham this November, celebrating those who have gone above and beyond in the corporate world and their local communities.
New categories for the inaugural year
This year's awards, sponsored by Arden University and E.ON, feature categories devoted to highlighting young people making a difference and those in senior leadership. The Rising Star award recognises young people making significant impact in their industries. The Outstanding Contribution to Leadership award celebrates those who excel in their roles and demonstrate exceptional leadership.
Dr Tru Powell, a multi-award-winning entrepreneur who heads up the INSPIRE Awards, commented: “I am completely blown away by the amount of nominations and votes we have received in the first year. The UK really voted to choose their winners.”
What happens next
The INSPIRE Awards' expert judging panel — entrepreneurs, community leaders and household names — will now decide the winners across all categories. Judge Jamelia summed it up: “With so many incredible finalists, we certainly have a tough decision to make this year.”
The awards ceremony will take place in November, celebrating excellence across categories including social change, emerging talent, leadership, business, media and entertainment, sport, health and wellbeing, equality and diversity, and entrepreneurship.