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The co-founders of security and facilities management company, First Response Group, have been named ‘Black British Businesspeople of the Year’.
Jamal Tahlil and Edgar Chibaka were awarded the top prize at this year’s Black British Business Awards (BBBAwards), which celebrate the exceptional performance and outstanding achievements of black professionals and business owners in the UK, and empowers organisations with the necessary tools to attract, retain and progress their internal Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic talent.
Tahlil and Chibaka, both African immigrants launched the Yorkshire-based company in 2007. Starting from nothing, FRG now employs more than 500 people, and in July this year reported a sales turnover of £25 million. In the process, the business which counts AXA Insurance amongst its top Blue Chip customers, has made two successful acquisitions.
Tahlil, who is well experienced in facilities managements, construction, real estate and insurance risk managements, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have recognised for our combined achievements at the Black British Business Awards. To win Black British Businesspeople of the Year, the top prize, is simply incredible.
“We started our business from nothing, but with hard work and a shared vision it has now outgrown even our expectations. This award also recognises the dedication of our whole team, without whom we would not be where we are today – one of the leading names in the UK’s security and FM sectors.”
Chibaka, who also serves as Executive Board Chairman of the UK Malawi Business Group that fosters bilateral business between the UK and Malawi, added: “I’d like to thank our colleagues at FRG for believing in our vision and running with it to consistently deliver fantastic and innovative customer experiences.
“To our customers, thank you for trusting our promise that we ‘listen, respond and deliver’. To our supply chain, thank you for your support.”
Sophie Chandauka, Executive Founder and Chair of the Black British Business Awards said: “It is an honour to shine a spotlight on this year’s winners who are not only doing remarkable things in their own organisations but also in their personal lives.
“This year’s senior leaders epitomise the meaning of ‘role models’. They are leading significant commercial functions whilst acting as wise counsel for their investors, boards of directors and rising talent during the pandemic and period of social unrest. Congratulations again to all of this year’s winners and finalists.”
This latest honour comes three months after FRG was crowned as Recognised Service Provider Champion at the Living Wage Foundation Champion Awards, and 10 months after it featured in the Sunday Times’ 10 Fast Track Ones to Watch.
FRG has also been shortlisted in no fewer than five categories at next month’s Security and Fire Excellence Awards, including Outsourced Security Individual or Team of the Year and Security Guarding Company of the Year over £25 million turnover.
As workplaces open up and restrictions lift the role of the FM has become more important than ever.
The challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic are now providing a valuable opportunity for FMs to demonstrate their skills and adaptability. Whilst on a practical level FMs are responsible for making buildings safe and comfortable, they are also crucial in attracting people back to the office.
In speaking with industry leaders, it is clear that there are six key areas of focus. Zip has published a white paper which looks at each one, suggesting ways that facilities managers can tackle the complexities and pace of a return to the workplace, whilst demonstrating clear and effective leadership along the way.
To find out more download the white paper here.
Sophie Chandauka, Executive Founder and Chair of the Black British Business Awards said: “It is an honour to shine a spotlight on this year’s winners who are not only doing remarkable things in their own organisations but also in their personal lives.
“This year’s senior leaders epitomise the meaning of ‘role models’. They are leading significant commercial functions whilst acting as wise counsel for their investors, boards of directors and rising talent during the pandemic and period of social unrest. Congratulations again to all of this year’s winners and finalists.”
