The founder of a workplace wellbeing firm has won an accolade at this year's Black Talent Awards.

Blackburn's Lee Chambers, who founded Essentialise Workplace Wellbeing and Male Allies has won in the business owner category of the awards, which were created to celebrate black talent in different industries.

The ceremony was held at Edgbaston Cricket Stadium in Birmingham, and categories included recognising those in finance, media, science and business.

The awards were created to recognise outstanding yet relatable professional black role models across many industries who are not only excelling in their careers but are having a significant impact, either in their own organisations or through wider social initiatives, in making the working world a more equitable place, especially for black and minority employees and candidates.

Other winners on the night included Leon Donlad of Tesco, Trevor Stirling of Moore Barlow LLP and Dr Elizabeth Shaw of 1000 Black voices.

Denise Myers, founder of the Black Talent Awards and CEO of recruitment agency Evenfields and Evenfields Community, said: “Homogenous narratives of career and entrepreneurial success need diversification.

"Young black talent needs to see role models who are relatable and who are succeeding on terms that they can identify with.

"This year’s winners include individuals who have gone on to forge lives very different from the one in which they came.

"These awards celebrate the remarkable feats of those who have triumphed, despite the disadvantages posed by race, gender or social background, to demonstrate what is possible. You cannot be what you cannot see.”

On winning his category for business founders, Mr Chambers said: “It’s tough to set up a business and I’ve scaled plenty of obstacles and barriers on my journey.

"There weren’t any role models who looked and sounded like me when I started in business 15 years ago, and I’m glad to see that is slowly changing.

"Having a chance to celebrate and connect with others in the community doing great things, something I’m thankful for, and to be recognised nationally for my work is a moment to remember.”

Mr Chambers is no stranger to the spotlight, having recently modelled at Kurt Geiger for Unhidden on London Fashion Week, speaking at One Young World in Belfast alongside global leaders, and winning the Innovation category at the Bolton Business Awards.