Black Business Recommendation (BBR) has been a constant presence in my life, woven into my experiences, my awareness and my determination to create change. Back in the mid-1980s, as a young man navigating the streets of North, South, and East London, I was on a mission—mapping out Black-owned businesses across the city. By the time I finished, I had gathered 2,375 businesses for what would become the first UK Black Business Directory. Most were small to mid-sized enterprises, quietly thriving yet largely unseen in the wider business landscape. The 1990s brought a deeper awareness of the inequalities Black entrepreneurs faced limited opportunities, systemic barriers, and the struggle for visibility. This realisation fueled my passion. The fire never went out; if anything, it burned brighter. The new millennium arrived, and I found myself still talking about the same issues, still witnessing the same struggles. The dream of economic empowerment and owning the means of production felt more urgent than ever. But one thing became clear no one can do this alone. Then came 2017, a moment that crystallised everything. I walked into a shop, respectfully handed over my £5 note, only to watch my change tossed onto the counter with no eye contact, just another deliberate act of disrespect. Frustration turned to resolve. I thought, Why do we keep spending where we are not valued? The answer was simple: we need to support our own. A question followed, Why not find Black businesses? The idea took on a life of its own, not just to find them but to tell people about them, to connect, to build a network. So, just like that, Black Business Recommendation (BBR) was born. BBR is more than a directory, it’s a movement, a commitment to empower Black-owned businesses, to foster economic strength, and to ensure that respect, dignity, and opportunity belong to us. The journey continues, and I invite you to be part of it. Let’s build together.