London Underground capital programmes director David Waboso was this week named leader of the year in the infrastructure and manufacturing category of the first ever Black British Business Awards.

Waboso,  a regular columnist for Infrastructure-Intelligence.com, pipped other finalists in the infrastructure leader category including ACE chief executive Nelson Ogunshakin and Centrica E&P (UK and Netherlands) director of projects Myrtle Dawes.

The Black British Business Awards is the only Awards programme to celebrate exceptional performance and outstanding achievements of black people in businesses in Great Britain. The inaugural ceremony took place at start of Black History Month on 2 October at the Grange City Hotel, Tower Hill in London. 

Supported and endorsed by Prime Minister David Cameron, deputy prime minister Nick Clegg and business secretary Vince Cable, the BBB Awards are intended uncover inspirational role models; ambassadors who represent the very best talent in organisations across various sectors in the British economy. 

The aim is to promote a good understanding of the economic contributions and potential of the Black community within the workforce, in the boardroom, and as a key customer segment. EY sponsors the awards.

In the infrastructure rising star category Jim Lenga-Kroma, human resources graduate, RWE npower pipped other finalists Tobi Lawal, business development manager, BP and Naomi Williams-Taylor, business development associate, Metro Design Consultants to the prize.

Other categories in the awards were financial services, fast moving consumer goods, media and the arts, professional services, STEM and entrepreneur of the year.

For more information go to www.thebbbawards.com