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"We're literally changing people's lives. That's where our passion lies." Dr. Benny Nmeholam doesn't say this lightly. As Corporate Partnerships Relationship Manager at Black Professionals United Kingdom (formerly Black Professionals Scotland), she's spent years working at the intersection of community empowerment and systemic change—helping Black professionals and founders access the opportunities, networks, and recognition they deserve.
The partnership between Techscaler and Black Professionals UK strengthens Scotland's ecosystem by ensuring that talent isn't limited by background, postcode, or unconscious bias. Through mutual signposting, event participation, and shared commitment to inclusion, we're creating clearer pathways for Black founders to access the support they need to scale.
From Edinburgh to the UK: A Growing Movement
What began as Edinburgh Black Professionals—a small community of barely 100 people—has grown into a national force. "We started expanding, from barely 100 people to 1,000, and realised we were growing and reaching more communities across Scotland," explains Dr. Benny. As membership climbed to 2,000 and beyond, with members outside Scotland joining, the organisation rebranded as Black Professionals United Kingdom.
Today, BPUK operates as what Dr. Benny calls "a two-edged sword"—supporting individuals while simultaneously influencing the systems that affect them. "We help people directly, but we can't help them effectively unless we're also influencing the systems that affect them—so we work with both communities and businesses."
The Two-Edged Approach
For businesses, BPUK focuses on awareness and action. "Our first goal is awareness—helping them understand that they operate within diverse communities: white, brown, and black. Why, then, is it only white people who are represented in key positions?" Dr. Benny uses a powerful analogy: "It's like putting on your glasses and seeing through someone else's lens. If I only ever look through my own—I won't see clearly. That's what happens when organisations don't challenge their own perspectives."
But awareness alone isn't enough. BPUK helps businesses restructure and create conditions where underrepresented talent can thrive. "The next step is retention. It's not enough to bring diverse talent in; you have to create an environment where they want to stay. If people leave because they feel unwelcome or unseen, then the work isn't done."
Within the community, the focus shifts to education and empowerment. "We show people that they have allies—and that allyship matters," says Dr. Benny. “We need to highlight that support exists and encourage more of it.”
Supporting Founders and Professionals
BPUK's work directly supports aspiring founders and professionals seeking growth opportunities. "Some of our members are upskilling, others have business ideas. That's why we value partnerships with programmes like Techscaler—to point them in the right direction," explains Dr. Benny. Techscaler sponsored the I Am Black conference in 2025, and hosted an entrepreneurial session.
While BPUK doesn't provide funding directly, they create vital connections. Dr. Benny shares an example:“I met a woman who’s a therapist and wants to build an online platform connecting people with therapy services. I told her about Techscaler, and since we’re planning a joint founders’ event in January, I’ve invited her along to support her as she develops the platform.”
For jobseekers, BPUK works to break down systemic barriers. "If someone's moved from Africa, for example, they may have great experience on their CV but not from companies familiar to UK employers. That creates barriers. Some employers unconsciously prefer candidates with 'Western' names or companies they recognise—even when those candidates have less experience. We're working to break down those biases and help businesses give people a fair chance."
Three Flagship Events
BPUK runs three major annual events that serve different but complementary purposes:
The Black Scottish Awards raise visibility for Black professionals and leaders doing exceptional work in Scotland. "It's about recognising and celebrating achievement—what we call Black excellence," says Dr. Benny. "Unlike some larger corporate awards, ours are community-led and more like a charitable initiative—any funds we raise go straight back into the event." The awards showcase success stories that inspire the community, and Techscaler presented the award for Business of Excellence this year, with member ScotStudy being a nominated finalist.
The Big Career Conference ( formerly IAmBlack Conference) is a full-day event featuring multiple speakers, panel discussions, workshops, and networking sessions. "We typically attract 500–600 attendees and invite around 30 employers and sponsors each year," explains Dr. Benny. "It's a space where Black talent can connect directly with employers, showcase their work, and build networks."
During Black History Month, BPUK honours contributions throughout history while educating and raising awareness of overlooked narratives. Techscaler partnered with BPUK over the last 2 years to co-host Black History Month events in the Techscaler hub in Stirling.
The Black Scottish Awards: A Founder's Perspective
When Abi Odedeyi, Founder of CodeFreeIQ and Startrs, Techscaler member and long‑time admirer of Black Professionals Scotland, Techscaler member and long-time admirer of Black Professionals UK, attended the Black Scottish Awards with the CodeBase team, she experienced firsthand the power of this celebration.
"Walking into The Black Scottish Awards felt like stepping into a space alive with joy, rich culture, and power. I felt like I was part of something so beautiful," recalls Abi. "It was a celebration of identity, contribution, and community. The fashion alone could rival a red carpet, and the energy in the room was contagious. One of my standout moments was watching how people wore their cultures unapologetically, celebrating their roots while being fully present in the Scottish story."
For Abi, the evening reinforced why visibility matters. "Representation is more than ticking boxes; it's about shaping the landscape so others can see themselves in it. Events like The Black Scottish Awards matter deeply because they create visibility for Black professionals across industries who are doing incredible work, often behind the scenes. When the ecosystem reflects the full richness of its people, innovation thrives."
As a founder, the experience provided a crucial perspective. "I was reminded that recognition is about accountability. While we're building companies, we're also opening doors. That night reinforced for me how important it is to show up, speak up, and keep the ladder down for others. I left re-energised to keep building tech that's accessible, inclusive, and designed with real people in mind."
What Partnership Looks Like in Practice
The collaboration between Techscaler and BPUK creates tangible pathways for founders through coordinated signposting and participation at each other's events.
Mutual Referrals & Signposting: BPUK members with business ideas or scaling ambitions are connected to Techscaler's founder-centred programmes, mentorship, and resources. Recent referrals include aspiring founders seeking support with business development, funding navigation, and technical skills.
Event Participation: CodeBase staff, including Techscaler team members and community founders like Abi, attend BPUK's flagship events including The Black Scottish Awards and the Big Black Conference. This visibility demonstrates genuine allyship and creates networking opportunities.
Joint Founders' Events: BPUK and Techscaler are planning collaborative events, including Black History Month celebrations and a gathering bringing together founders from both communities.
Community Connections: BPUK has benefited from the visibility and networks created through these partnerships. As Abi notes: "Techscaler has consistently shown up in ways that matter, creating platforms, offering support, and making sure underrepresented voices are part of the conversation."
Why This Matters for Scotland's Ecosystem
Building a thriving, innovative tech ecosystem means ensuring that talent from every background can access the networks, recognition, and support they need to grow. This partnership helps close a critical gap by connecting underrepresented founders with the relationships and resources that unlock real opportunities.
For Abi, attending The Black Scottish Awards with the CodeBase team held special significance. "A few weeks ago, I had the chance to give a keynote at one of their programmes during Forth Valley Business Week. Being part of both that and the awards night felt like being seen not just for the work I do, but also for the journey I've taken as a founder."
She continues: "That visibility and encouragement have absolutely made a difference in my journey as a founder. Being at the awards together was more than symbolic; it showed what true allyship and ecosystem-building can look like."
BPUK's vision extends beyond individual success stories. As Dr. Benny explains, "Being Black isn't a disability, but in our society, it can sometimes feel like one—because of how people are treated." She uses another analogy: "If I have a disability and can't climb the stairs, what are you doing to help me? Are you giving me a lift, an escalator, or telling me to stay home and work remotely? Inclusion means making space for people's needs."
Looking Ahead
As BPUK continues expanding its reach and impact, the partnership with Techscaler will deepen through joint events, ongoing referrals, and shared commitment to making Scotland's tech ecosystem truly inclusive.
The collaboration embodies a crucial principle: that change isn't solely the responsibility of underrepresented communities. As Dr. Benny puts it: "You're enabling allyship. That's what we're doing. Supporting businesses, supporting people. That's why I say we're a two-edged sword—we cut both ways, in the right places."
For founders seeking support or businesses looking to build more inclusive practices, both organisations offer complementary pathways. BPUK creates visibility, community, and connections. Techscaler provides founder-focused programmes, mentorship, and scaling resources. Together, they're ensuring that Scotland's innovation story includes all voices—and that talent isn't limited by background or bias.
Final Say
"For me, it's not just about using my skills to earn money. I see it as using my gifts to make a difference in people's lives—by speaking with organisations and businesses that might not fully understand what's going on in terms of inclusion." - Dr. Benny Nmeholam, Corporate Partnerships Relationship Manager, Black Professionals United Kingdom
"The awards are a reminder that the future of Scotland includes all of us and that diversity is a strength, not a sidebar." - Abi Odedeyi, Founder, Startrs and CodeFreeIQ
Interested in connecting with Black Professionals UK or accessing Techscaler's founder support? Learn more about becoming part of the Techscaler community today.
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