Celebration of the year’s most inspirational business books picks out 12 winners

On the evening of Tuesday 25th May, the much-anticipated winners of The Business Book Awards 2021 were announced via a spectacular online event.

Congratulations to Ash Ali & Hasan Kubba

After whittling down hundreds of entries from around the world into a shortlist of 86, a panel of expert judges picked out the most inspirational, innovative and outstanding books of the year from 12 different categories.

Now in its fourth year, The Business Book Awards drive to make the business book world as inclusive as possible, celebrating diversity of authors and welcoming traditional, hybrid and self-published books. Founder of the Business Book Awards, Lucy McCarraher said:

“The year 2020 presented some unprecedented challenges to businesses, publishers and authors alike, so it has been great to see how well people have adapted, both personally and professionally, to produce some incredible books. Business books continue to provide invaluable advice, inspiration and support for millions of people around the world, so we’re delighted to celebrate such a strong and diverse selection of winners again in the fourth year of The Business Book Awards.”

Why the awards matter:

• Championing the best business books published in 2020 – Shortlist chosen by a panel of 40 of the UK’s top business journalists, academics, thought-leaders and entrepreneurs
• Focus on personal challenges and wellbeing in business – In a year when entrepreneurs and business leaders faced unprecedented disruption in all areas of their lives, the awards also celebrated the books that provide invaluable self-development advice and inspirational business stories
• 50% of winning books authored by women – Since the awards’ inaugural year, the gender imbalance in entries has been gradually improving

Despite the awards ceremony being conducted online for a second year running due to the pandemic, the event was a highly interactive experience with virtual networking and winning authors tuning in via video call to accept their award live on air. The broadcast was watched by thousands and has been shared across social media by authors and publishers alike. 

This year saw Rob Angel; creator of boardgame phenomenon Pictionary recognised for his book Game Changer, with inventor of the invisibobble hair tie Sophie Trelles-Tvede winning the Business Journey award for her book 100 Million Hair Ties and a Vodka Tonic. Sophie devised the revolutionary product aged 18 whilst studying at university, it is now sold in over 70 countries worldwide and reported sales of £16.6m in 2019. 

Author of the inaugural Business Book of the Year in 2018 The Change Catalyst Campbell Macpherson was highly commended for his second book The Power to Change in the Change & Sustainability category, and BBC journalists Dhruti Shah & Dominic Bailey won the Short Business Book award for their title Bear Markets and Beyond. 

In a year filled with uncertainty and disruption, the awards championed books that dealt topics such as crisis management, wellbeing & overcoming redundancy; with Mental Health and Wellbeing in the Workplace by Gill Hasson & Donna Butler, Why Losing Your Job Could be the Best Thing That Ever Happened to You by Eleanor Tweddell, Crisis Proof by Jonathan Hemus, & Transformation in Times of Crisis by Nitin Rakesh & Jerry Wind being some of the judges’ top picks. 

The event culminated in the announcement of the coveted Business Book of the Year award, which went to The Unfair Advantage: How You Already Have What It Takes to Succeed by Ash Ali & Hassan Kubba. Head judge Alison Jones praised The Unfair Advantage, stating “the book seeks to promote our inner strengths, helps us to build clarity and provides a context for entrepreneurs to create that clarity. It’s a book about reflection, self-awareness & mindset. It helps the reader reframe their mindset and its strength is its simplicity and originality”. 

“We are absolutely thrilled and delighted to be receiving this prestigious award. As first-time authors from underprivileged immigrant backgrounds, we wanted to show that the business world isn’t 100% fair and meritocratic, however we wanted those who considered themselves underdogs, like us, to know that they already have what it takes to succeed. We wrote it for those considering becoming an entrepreneur, even if they just want to start a side business, we want you to have the right mindset and strategies to succeed. We both wrote the book we wish we had when we started our entrepreneurial journeys, and are so pleased with the buzz, positive reviews, and recognition that it’s had. As first-time authors who were not famous or ‘influencers’ we’re so happy that our down-to-earth book is so practically useful for those who’ve read it.”, Said Ash.