Celebrating Excellence, Expanding Pathways with Black Professionals United Kingdom

At CodeBase, we see every day how opportunity, visibility, and connection shape the journeys of founders and professionals. In Scotland’s growing tech ecosystem, those pathways do not always reach everyone equally, which is why our work with Black Professionals Scotland, now known as Black Professionals United Kingdom (BPUK), is so important. Their mission is rooted in empowerment, representation, and advocacy for Black professionals and aspiring founders across the country.

What began as a small community in Edinburgh has grown into a nationwide and increasingly international network. BPUK has become a recognised force for change, creating environments where Black talent can access opportunities, build confidence, and feel seen. Through our ongoing partnership, signposting, and shared activity, Techscaler by CodeBase has been able to support founders who come through BPUK and connect them with the educational programmes, mentorship, and networks that fuel early-stage growth.

The heart of this spotlight, however, lies in BPUK itself. Their work speaks to the power of community, the importance of allyship, and the transformative impact of celebrating excellence. Nowhere is this more visible than at the Black Scottish Awards, one of their flagship events and a cornerstone of their annual calendar.

A Growing Movement Built on Representation

The evolution of BPUK mirrors the growing confidence and visibility of Scotland’s Black community. It began as a small Edinburgh group that expanded rapidly, 100 members became 1,000, then 2,000, and today, BPUK supports Black professionals across Scotland and the wider UK. With growth came a broader mission: championing representation, empowering individuals, and working with businesses to make inclusion real.

Dr Benny Nmeholam, Corporate Partnerships Relationship Manager at BPUK, describes the organisation as a two-edged sword. On one side, BPUK uplifts individuals by providing community, visibility, and confidence. On the other hand, it works directly with businesses to challenge unconscious bias, build awareness, and strengthen retention. The result is a positive feedback loop. As more professionals enter workplaces where they feel supported, more companies see the value of diverse perspectives and experiences.

This two-sided approach also shapes their collaboration with CodeBase and Techscaler. When members come to BPUK with business ideas, ambitions, or questions about where to begin, Dr Benny and her team signpost them directly to Techscaler. For us, that means welcoming founders who are ready to learn, build, and grow, and supporting them at the earliest stages of their entrepreneurial journey.

The Black Scottish Awards: A Celebration of Joy, Identity, and Excellence

Among BPUK’s three flagship events, the Black Scottish Awards hold a special place in the community. Unlike many national award ceremonies, the event is led by the community for the community. Any funds raised go back into the event itself, which keeps the focus on celebration, recognition, and collective pride.

For the CodeBase team and the Techscaler members who joined this year, the night was a vivid reminder of why recognition matters. The atmosphere was filled with joy, culture, and pride. The event honoured leaders and professionals whose achievements often go unrecognised in mainstream spaces. It showcased powerful stories, celebrated achievements across industries, and highlighted the richness of Scotland’s Black community.

One of the attendees was Abi Odedeyi, founder of Startrs, and a long-time admirer of BPUK. Her reflections speak to the emotional weight and cultural significance of the evening. Walking into the event felt, as she described it, like entering a space alive with joy and identity. She was struck by the unapologetic expression of culture, the pride with which people carried their heritage, and the sense of belonging that filled the room.

For Abi, the awards were a reminder that representation shapes ecosystems. When people see excellence reflected, it shapes what they believe is possible. The awards make visible the work of Black innovators, artists, entrepreneurs, and leaders who are driving change across Scotland. They remind the wider ecosystem that diversity is not an aspiration. Diversity is already here, influencing the present and shaping the future.

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A Founder’s Perspective on Impact and Allyship

Abi’s experience at the awards also highlighted why events like these matter for founders. She left feeling energised, inspired, and deeply aware of the importance of showing up for others. In her words, recognition is also about accountability. Founders who succeed have the chance to open doors, mentor others, and create new pathways.

Attending the awards with the CodeBase team meant even more because, only weeks earlier, she had delivered a keynote at a Techscaler programme during Forth Valley Business Week. Standing on both stages reminded her that her work, her voice, and her journey as a founder were truly being seen.

As she put it, Techscaler by CodeBase has shown up in meaningful ways. Visibility, encouragement, and platforming underrepresented voices create real impact. Being at the Black Scottish Awards together was not symbolic. It was a demonstration of what genuine allyship and ecosystem building look like in practice.

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How Partnership Becomes Pathways

The collaboration between BPUK and Techscaler focuses on clear, practical support for founders and professionals. Through ongoing signposting, BPUK connects members with business ideas or scaling ambitions to Techscaler’s mentorship, workshops, and educational programmes. These early introductions often become the starting point for founders exploring markets, validating ideas, and building their prototypes.

The partnership also takes shape at events throughout the year. CodeBase staff regularly attend BPUK’s flagship events, including The Black Scottish Awards and their career-focused gatherings. This presence builds bridges, creates visibility, and strengthens relationships across communities. At the same time, BPUK participates in Techscaler’s activity, such as entrepreneurial sessions and community gatherings, bringing diverse experiences and perspectives into tech spaces where they are too often underrepresented.

Looking forward, BPUK and Techscaler are planning more collaborative events, including founder-focused sessions that bring together both communities. The mutual flow of ideas, introductions, and support continues to grow as both organisations work to build a more inclusive and connected ecosystem.

Why This Partnership Matters for Scotland

A thriving tech ecosystem is only as strong as the opportunities it makes available. When entire communities face barriers to visibility, recognition, or opportunity, the ecosystem misses out on talent, innovation, and potential. The partnership between BPUK, Techscaler, and CodeBase reflects a shared belief that the future of Scotland’s tech landscape must be inclusive and representative.

BPUK provides connection, community, and recognition. Techscaler provides founder-centred support, education, and pathways to scale. Together, they help close the gap between ambition and access.

As Dr Benny reminds us, inclusion requires intentional action. It asks organisations to listen, reflect, and create environments where people can thrive. It also asks communities to know their worth, celebrate their stories, and stand in their identity with pride. BPUK embodies this work in everything they do, and it is a privilege for CodeBase to support and amplify their impact.

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Hear from Black Professionals United Kingdom

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“We help people directly, but we can’t help them effectively unless we’re also influencing the systems that affect them.
_{Dr Benny Nmeholam, Corporate Partnerships Relationship Manager, BPUK}

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Walking into the Black Scottish Awards felt like stepping into a space alive with joy, rich culture, and power. It was a celebration of identity, contribution, and community.
_{Abi Odedeyi, founder of Startrs}

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