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CONNECT
ABC is the first point of call for all minority Businesses and others wanting to engage with them locally, nationally and internationally. We are the leading network across the North of England operating globally.
SUPPORT
We help organisations become more inclusive helping them start, survive and thrive using the Yohlar Inclusive Innovation Framework.
Our Inclusion By Default Campaign aims to help make the North East the most inclusive region in the UK for others to learn from and follow.
PROMOTE
We provide expert support and advice on developing your business to its full potential by offering a range of services – in PR and marketing, including website and advert design. Our online, print and on air platforms reach over 2 million unique individuals annually.
2026 ANNUAL AWARDS & DINNER
The ABC 2026 Awards & Dinner will return next year in October. We are expecting this event to be the biggest, boldest and brightest celebration to date. We look forward to warmly welcoming all those lucky guests with tickets to celebrate #InclusionByDefault.
Make Your Nominations and Reserve your seats for our awards ceremony below!
2026 Annual Awards - 11th November 2026
To find out more about the 2026 Annual Awards please follow the links below.
Demonstrate Your Commitment to
Inclusion, Diversity and Equality.
Our 2026 Sponsors + Partners
We would like to say a big thank you to all of our sponsors for the ABC Awards 2026
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Join us at our next ABC Awards in 2026!
We are thrilled to announce the return of our Annual Awards Ceremony, set to take place on November 11th 2026
Join us as we continue our journey of celebrating inclusion with the support of our esteemed partners, sponsors, attendees, and phenomenal finalists. Once again, we eagerly anticipate an evening of connecting, supporting, and promoting the minority and wider communities.
We invite you all to join us in honouring extraordinary individuals and their remarkable achievements. Prepare for a night of celebration that includes a sparkling drinks reception, a delectable three-course halal meal, and the highly anticipated awards!
Please note, this is a 16+ event, and no children will be allowed.
If your are looking to make your mark at the 2026 ABC Annual Awards, whether through nominations, tickets/tables, or sponsorship opportunities, we have got you covered. Get involved and be a part of this unforgettable experience!
Find out how to Proudly Partner our 2026 Awards & Dinner
Inclusion By Default
In January 2020 ABConnexions CIC - a not-for-profit social enterprise established in the North East to Connect, Support and Promote ethnic and wider communities - launched the Inclusion By Default campaign with the ambition of helping the North East become the most inclusive region in the UK by the end of 2025.
Since then we have developed and delivered a number of inclusion initiatives and projects, and more recently in partnership with Yohlar launched the Inclusive Innovation Framework (IIF) that moves past the standard tick box approach to inclusion. Providing an action-oriented, person-centred methodology that truly changes beliefs and behaviours.
18 Years' Achievements
Helped raise over £1M+ for charities
Engaged and supported over 200+ community groups
Helped launch 1200+ new start-ups
Trained over 11,520 Individuals
Supported over 20,000+ existing businesses
7,000+ jobs created by supported businesses
#InclusionByDefault
With enterprising women failing to be recognised and identified, this is leading to a lack of role models for the younger generation or those looking to start their careers.
The AWEsome Campaign provides a platform for Asian women to be recognised for their work and achievements, helping others to overcome common barriers.
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A Business program for Asian women
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WHY CHOOSE ABCONNEXIONS?
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Ensure your voice is heard – we lobby on your behalf around issues such as equality, diversity and inclusivity
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Through your membership you have access to discounted services and products
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Development of long-term business relationships
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Create a strong, diverse North East business community
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Support & develop your business
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Access to global expansion trade missions
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Access to help & support around BME recruitment & talent
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Database of available executive / non-executive candidates
OUR SOCIAL CHANNELS
Join our social media and get involved with our ever-expanding community.
We post advice, informative support, and frequent updates on upcoming events. Join below!
Weekly Show Business
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Tune in on Spice FM at 10:00am every Friday to catch Ammar and Jalf discuss the hottest business topics and gain the business knowledge you didn't know you needed. Don't miss out!