First Response Group Founders Named Black British Businesspeople of the Year

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12 October 2021

Jamal Tahlil and Edgar Chibaka, co-founders of security and facilities management provider First Response Group, have been named Black British Businesspeople of the Year.

Coinciding with Black History Month 2021, the Black British Business Awards celebrate the exceptional performance and achievements of black professionals and business owners in the UK, and empower organisations with the necessary tools to attract, retain and progress their internal Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic talent.

Jamal Tahlil and Edgar Chibaka, who launched Yorkshire-based First Response Group in 2007,  are both African immigrants. Their business now employs more than 500 people, and in July this year reported a sales turnover of £25m. In the process, the business counts AXA Insurance amongst its top blue-chip customers.

"We started our business from nothing, but with hard work and a shared vision it has now outgrown even our expectations."

–Jamal Tahlil

Co-Founder, First Response Group

Living Wage Foundation Champion

This latest honour comes three months after First Response Group was crowned as Recognised Service Provider Champion at the Living Wage Foundation Champion Awards, and ten months after it featured in the Sunday Times’ 10 Fast Track Ones to Watch.

Jamal, who is well experienced in facilities management, construction, real estate and insurance risk management, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have been 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.”

Edgar, 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.”

Picture: a photograph of Edgar Chibaka (left) and Jamal Tahlil, Co-Founders and Directors of First Response Group

Article written by Ella Tansley | Published 12 October 2021

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