More than 400 bloggers, presenters, doctors, entrepreneurs, campaigners and many more came together for the Shaw Trust Power 100 2020 live launch on Wednesday 21 October. At the event, hosted virtually, Nikki Fox, BBC Disability Correspondent was announced as the 2020’s most influential disabled person in Britain.
Nikki, who is known to millions for her work on Watchdog, How to Look Good Naked, and Supermarket Secrets, was the unanimous choice of the independent judging panel for her outstanding work keeping disability on the news agenda throughout the pandemic.
Speaking about her achievement, Nikki commented: “I am just overwhelmed to have topped the Shaw Trust Power List. Just to be nominated is an honour in itself but to come first is something I am still trying to get my head around, especially as last year’s winner is one of my absolute heroes, Baroness Jane Campbell.”
The top 10 also includes:
- Caroline Casey, Social Entrepreneur
- Jonathan Andrews, Solicitor
- Simon Minty, Presenter
- Shani Dhanda, Social Entrepreneur
- Srin Madipalli, Entrepreneur and Investor
- Sophie Morgan, TV Presenter
- Kamran Mallick, CEO, Disability Rights UK
- Gavin Harding MBE, Senior Disability Adviser
- Samatha Renke, Actor
The annual publication lists the 100 most influential disabled people in the UK. More than 350 nominations were received for the 100 places. The Power 100 is compiled by an independent judging panel, chaired this year by Baroness Jane Campbell.
Chris Luck CB MBE, Chief Executive of Shaw Trust, said:
“This year has been a challenging one and at Shaw Trust we have witnessed the impact Covid-19 is having on people in the disabled community. We are seeing an increase in the disability employment gap, it is therefore more important than ever for us to recognise, celebrate and promote the exceptional role models that make up our Disability Power 100 List. I would like to congratulate everyone who made it on to the list, those nominated and especially our number one, Nikki Fox, for her unwavering commitment to changing perceptions of disability and providing a role model for the talented leaders of tomorrow.”
The full Shaw Trust Disability Power List 100 can be found here. Nominations for the 2021 Disability Power List open on 3 December 2020.