Preston entrepreneur Lee Chambers Nominated for the UK’s Largest Diversity Awards

Diversity is an increasingly important topic for businesses to be considering, and the National Diversity Awards showcase brilliant individuals and best practices from across the UK. Lancashire entrepreneur Lee Chambers has been nominated for the Entrepreneur of Excellence category, which celebrates those in business who are championing diversity and building a business that is having a positive impact on both their sector and community.

The Breathtaking Liverpool Anglican Cathedral will play host to this year’s awards, to be held on 16th September 2022. Britain’s most inspirational and selfless people will come together to honour the rich tapestry of our nation, recognising individuals and groups from grassroots communities.

The prestigious black-tie event recognises nominees in their respective fields of diversity including age, disability, gender, race, faith, religion and sexual orientation.

Lee is the founder of Essentialise Workplace Wellbeing, based on Ribbleton Ln, and provides wellbeing and inclusion training to companies across the UK. On being nominated, Chambers said, “I’m passionate about making an impact through both my business and the social impact work I do personally. Everything that we do, from being a trustee of a dementia charity to working in SEND schools, from supporting Black social enterprises to speaking on gender equity, I believe inclusion has to empower all under-represented and marginalised groups to increase opportunities and break down barriers. This is something so close to my heart as an autistic Black man who manages a chronic illness, and to be recognised nationally is a real honour.”

ITV News will be working in association with The National Diversity Awards to highlight role models and community organisations on regional and national news channels.

Rachel Corp, acting editor, ITV News said; “We are pleased that ITV News will once again be supporting the National Diversity Awards. ITV News remains committed to telling the stories of those, who through their work and dedication to helping others has made a difference; enhancing equality, diversity and inclusion in our society.”

The UK’s largest diversity awards have attracted a growing list of supporters including Adam Hills, Graham Norton and Katie Piper. Last year’s winner of the Celebrity of the Year gong, Sir Lenny Henry CBE said; “Diversity to me means involving everybody without any discrimination; it means having integrated groups in society, fairness and total inclusion are what the National Diversity Awards are about. Congratulations to everyone who has been nominated, you’re all doing a fantastic job, rock on!”

The National Diversity Awards receives over 60,000 nominations and votes annually. Founder & CEO Paul Sesay said, “As we enter our 11th awards season, The National Diversity Awards prepare to welcome a host of outstanding role models and charities to our family. We look to those who represent progress, spirit and resilience, and I cannot wait to learn about the wonderful work being carried out this year."

Nominations are now open and close on May 20th 2022 - so don’t miss out on your chance to get involved! Lee is hoping to bring the prize back to the North West, and you can find out more here.