From food to child development to digital innovation, this Black History Month we are celebrating the drive, creativity and ingenuity of Black-led businesses in Royal Greenwich.
Councillor Jackie Smith, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy, Business, Skills and Greenwich Supports said: “Royal Greenwich is a proudly diverse place, and we boast some exemplary entrepreneurial talent. Supporting businesses owned by people of African and Caribbean heritage not only strengthens the local economy but is a way to celebrate diversity, champion inclusion and create greater equity. This Black History Month, we pay tribute to the achievements of Black-led businesses and give recognition to the valuable contributions they make to our communities.”
This year’s Best of Royal Greenwich Business Awards shortlist was fifty-one percent Black and global majority, and this rich diversity was reflected in the winners.
Inclusive Stories – Entrepreneur Over 30 and Business of the Year – Brooklyn Banjoko writes and illustrates her own stories where neurodiverse children are the heroes. She also has a subscription box service, range of educational resources, clothing line and podcast. Read this inspirational interview with Brooklyn for International Women's Day back in March. Brooklyn is a panelist at Start Up Greenwich’s Black History Month: the journey and the achievements event on 22 October at Woolwich Centre Library to discuss Black entrepreneurship.
Clearcut Physiotherapy – Professional Services Award – specialises in musco-skeletal rehabilitation and recovery from neurological injury. Director Hassan Mohamoud started in the NHS and continues to work with public healthcare services. Clearcut Physiotherapy's mission is to deliver personalised, high-quality care that improves the well-being of patients and contributes to a healthier, stronger community.
Roon’s Catering – Digital Award – is a food truck based in Woolwich town centre offering delicious Somali cuisine. Owner Safia Hassan loves trading in Woolwich – a place she has called home since moving to the UK as a refugee when she was a child. Since winning the award, Roon's have catered for Royal Borough of Greenwich events including the Muslim Network's AGM and Eid Celebration, and the Adult Community Learning Awards.
But the story doesn’t end there. Black entrepreneurship in the borough extends far and wide.
BeGenio is an immersive learning platform designed to make maths fun whilst assessing student learning. Dr Grace Olugbodi – founder of BeGenio and creator of the award-winning ‘Race to Infinity’ game – left a job in investment banking to follow her passion for education. Grace was a guest speaker at the council’s most recent Business Breakfast on artificial intelligence.
Camouflage Cafe – winner of Best New Business in 2023 – was founded by Brighter Futures Project (BFP) and gives adults with learning disabilities the experience and skills they can take into permanent employment. Kemi Madumere, Director of BFP, was a judge for the Best of Royal Greenwich Business Awards the following year.
First Choice Caribbean Hut – shortlisted for Best Mobile or Market Trader in 2023 – has gone from strength to strength. They recently secured a catering contract with Woolwich Works and have been nominated for the prestigious UK Caribbean Food Award for Best Caterer.
4YaParty – shortlisted for Greener Greenwich category in 2024 – specialises in sustainable weddings, occasions and corporate events. Their ethos is that beautiful spaces ‘shouldn’t cost the earth’ and they offer affordable luxury without any single-use plastic. Owner Mercedes Gayle Parr was a guest speaker at the Greener Greenwich Business Breakfast in March 2025.
Tasty Restaurant is a West African restaurant and takeaway that has flourished into a successful franchise. Their menu is crafted with authentic ingredients and from time-honoured recipes. With their headquarters based in Thamesmead, Tasty now have 26 branches in London and Kent. They cater for big events, have a ready meal line and offer a customer loyalty scheme.
Black Eats LDN is a food and culture platform that champions and celebrates Black-owned businesses. They held Black Eats Fest at Woolwich Works in September 2024 to showcase the best culinary delights from African, the Caribbean and beyond as well as music, arts and culture.
Interested in hearing more about Black-led business?
Join Start Up Greenwich’s Black History Month: the journey and the achievements on 22 October, 6 to 8pm at Woolwich Centre Library to hear an engaging panel discussion on the journeys, challenges, and achievements of local Black business owners. There will also be opportunities to network with likeminded individuals, local business owners, and business support organisations.
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