Black History Month 2025: celebrating black-owned success across the UK

Black History Month (UK) is an annual October celebration recognising the achievements and contributions of African and Caribbean people in Britain. At Capitalise, we believe this month is about more than remembrance. By supporting Black-owned businesses, attending exhibitions, and learning from Black authors and creatives, we can strengthen community ties and drive inclusive economic growth. This year’s theme, “Standing Firm in Power and Pride”, shines a light on the resilience, innovation, and cultural impact of Black entrepreneurs across the UK.

Black-owned businesses across the UK

London

London's scene is vibrant and diverse with dozens of companies, from startups and consultancies to food and fashion brands, that contribute to London’s economy. For example, London bookshops like New Beacon Books and Round Table Books have championed Black literature since the 1960s.

Birmingham

The West Midlands is home to a vibrant culinary scene, with many Black-owned eateries. Must-visit venues include award-winnings Jamaican restaurant Jamaya, Caribbean restaurant Mellow’s, and Temper & Brown. These restaurants showcase the richness of Caribbean and African cuisines.

Manchester

Manchester’s creative hub celebrates Black talent through entrepreneurship and the arts. Aviva Studios’ Black History Month Programme (Oct 1–31) brings a vibrant mix of music, spoken word, comedy, and theatre to the city. Such as live performances by Beverly Glenn-Copeland, featuring special guest Elizabeth Copeland, to the UK premiere of Opera Omnia by Space Afrika, directed by Valentin Noujaïm.

The programme also features Black Creative Trailblazers, returning for a second year to spotlight innovators shaping culture and creativity. Alongside these headline acts, a series of free community events and discussions celebrates new voices and emerging talent. Beyond the stage, local founders such as talent manager Michael Adex continue to make waves in tech, talent, and media, embodying Manchester’s ongoing commitment to championing Black excellence and innovation.

Liverpool

Liverpool’s Black entrepreneurs are driving creativity and commerce across the city, from beauty and wellness to fashion and handmade crafts. Businesses such as Natural Babe Hair, LoveShea Skincare showcase a blend of heritage, innovation, and community spirit. The city’s thriving Baltic Triangle and Bold Street districts have become home to a new generation of founders redefining what independent business looks like. Alongside entrepreneurship, Liverpool’s cultural institutions, including the International Slavery Museum (currently closed for renovation) and community-led initiatives like BlackFest, continue to spotlight the city’s rich African and Caribbean heritage through music, theatre, and visual arts.

Belfast

Belfast’s Black-owned economy is growing, with barbershops, cafes and retail outlets listed in directories such as AfroBiz Belfast. These highlight businesses that range from personal care to financial services.

Edinburgh

In Edinburgh, Black entrepreneurs are making strides in fashion, beauty and hospitality. The AfroBiz Scotland directory showcases businesses from barbers and beauty therapists to tailors and consultancies.

Glasgow

Glasgow’s Black-owned community thrives in both commerce and the arts. The Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) hosts Black History Month family workshops, and Kelvingrove Art Gallery is offering “Museum of Empire” tours led by Nelson Cummins, Curator of Legacies of Slavery and Empire.

Cultural highlights and recommended reading

Black History Month is also a time to reflect and learn through art and literature. Across the UK, a range of events and exhibitions showcase the richness and diversity of Black creativity:

• London: The Black British Book Festival (Oct 19) at the Barbican is Europe’s largest celebration of Black literature, while 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair (Oct 16–19) at Somerset House presents leading artists from across Africa and the diaspora.

• Manchester: Aviva Studios features Grammy-winning musician Beverly Glenn-Copeland, as well as Space Afrika’s new opera Opera Omnia.

• Glasgow: GoMA runs workshops celebrating works by Black artists such as Walter Price and Rabiya Choudhry, while Kelvingrove explores Scotland’s colonial past.

Books to inspire

Black History Month also invites us to learn through powerful stories and fresh perspectives. Here are some recommendations for you to explore:

• Black and British: A Forgotten History by David Olusoga

• Brit(ish): On Race, Identity and Belonging by Afua Hirsch

For more, you can check out New Beacon Books, one of the UK’s oldest Black publishers and bookshops.

Black History Month is a time to celebrate, learn, and take action, recognising the Black entrepreneurs, artists, and change makers who continue to shape the UK’s cultural and economic landscape. By continuing to support Black-owned businesses and celebrate Black voices beyond October, we can help build stronger communities and a more inclusive economy, something we’re proud to champion at Capitalise.