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Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones is an influential entrepreneur and farmer, widely recognised as Founder of The Black Farmer brand. Currently, Wilfred manages his successful range of award-winning British food products, including sausages, chicken, and sauces. As a speaker, he addresses critical topics such as diversity in agriculture, racial equality, entrepreneurship, and resilience. His personal story of overcoming barriers provides an inspirational platform to challenge racial stereotypes, especially within the rural economy, and encourage greater inclusion of ethnic minorities in industries traditionally lacking diversity.
Wilfred’s journey began when he emigrated from Jamaica to Birmingham as a child in 1961, experiencing first-hand the racial challenges of integrating into British society. After leaving school without qualifications, his career took an unexpected turn as he entered the media industry, becoming a Producer and Director at the BBC in the 1980s, working on renowned programmes such as Food and Drink. Transitioning from media into marketing, Wilfred founded his own successful food and drink marketing agency in 1994, promoting well-known brands such as Kettle Chips and Loyd Grossman sauces. Eventually, pursuing a childhood dream, he purchased Higher West Kitcham Farm in Devon in 2000, establishing himself as Britain’s first high-profile black farmer.
His recent achievements reflect his significant contributions to agriculture and racial equality. In 2020, Wilfred was honoured with an MBE for Services to British Farming. A year later, he received an Honorary Degree from Writtle University College for distinction in the farming industry. Demonstrating his commitment to nurturing new talent and diversity, Wilfred established The Hatchery incubator in 2019, aimed at supporting fledgling brands. In 2022, his expertise was further recognised when he became an Independent Governor at the Royal Agricultural University, a prestigious role allowing him to influence agricultural education positively.
Today, Wilfred is regularly hired as a racial equality speaker because of his unique combination of lived experience, entrepreneurial success, and passionate advocacy for inclusivity. Organisations invite Wilfred to share insights into overcoming adversity, challenging racial biases, and fostering diverse and innovative workplaces. His authentic and powerful narrative resonates deeply, empowering audiences to embrace diversity and drive meaningful change.
Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones is regularly booked to engage audiences at events, read their latest feedback below:
“You were a big hit with the parents, children and staff – a real achievement to be able to address such a varied (and demanding) group of people! As I’d seen you ‘in action’ before, I knew your story would appeal and I really do think you were an inspiration to the entire audience on the day – thank you.”
“Thank you for making our awards evening such a success. A significant number of individuals commented to me that they found your talk to be both interesting and inspirational. To have positive comments from such a diverse audience is an indication of how your presence enhanced the event for all who were present.”
“Oh my days – amazing! Loved him!”
“Can you pass on my thanks to Wilfred, the talk was very successful and has stimulated quite a lot of debate!”
The BAME Speakers Agency has been one of the UK’s leading bureaus for Black, Asian and minority ethnic speakers since 2020. We supply speakers for corporate and public events across the world, and cater to both in-person occasions and online webinars.
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