IMPORTANT UPDATE: Application Portal Issue

Due to a significant rise in demand for UnLtd Awards, we have introduced a limit on the number of applications we can accept and process in each award making round. From now on, each funding round will be limited to 650 submitted applications.

Learn more

Your Award Panel

Date

Tuesday, November 18th 2025

Hello! We are your panel members; we are looking forward to meeting you and hearing about your social venture.

UnLtd panels reflect our commitment to inclusion, with over 50% of our panel members identifying as Black, Asian or minority ethnic and/or disabled, and at a minimum, one panel member who identifies as Black, Asian or minority ethnic and/or disabled sitting on each panel.

    Panel Chair

  • Joanne Gibson

    she/her/hers

    Social Entrepreneur Support Manager at UnLtd

    Jo’s career started in social housing, supporting individuals and communities to realise their potential. This included helping to establish several community businesses and supporting those running them to develop sustainable and long-lasting employment and training opportunities. Before joining UnLtd she worked as a self-employed business trainer helping small to medium size businesses, public services and third sector organisations improve their systems, develop clear vision and strategy and ultimately improve the customer journey. Jo is a voluntary Director for a small CIC and is passionate about helping individuals and groups in the community develop creative and impactful ideas that will benefit the wider locality. Jo joined UnLtd in 2022 as a Support Manager and now works in the Thematic team. She recognises the value created by having the right expertise and support for new and existing entrepreneurs. Jo really enjoys meeting with social entrepreneurs, understanding what their venture does and the social impact it is having in the community. Jo enjoys walking with her schnoodle (that’s dog!) travelling, gardening and cooking.

    Social Entrepreneurs

  • Eric Bishyika

    he/him/his

    Social Entrepreneur

    Eric is a young entrepreneur from Oldham. He founded SW Clothing at the age of 13, using savings from his paper round. His business garnered media attention, featuring in BBC News, Channel 4, and the Manchester Evening News. Eric now leads a few different ventures including the Business Incubator Group (BIG), an incubator program supporting young entrepreneurs and disadvantaged youth in establishing their businesses and developing personal skills.

  • Saadia Abubaker

    she/her/hers

    Social Entrepreneur

    Saadia is the founder of Saadiaspeaks, with a passion for youth empowerment, she uses the power of her voice to inspire and initiate change, delivering masterclasses and events on topics such as confidence building, vision and goal setting, networking and, building a growth mindset.

    UnLtd Colleagues

  • Amanda Johansson

    she/her/hers

    Social Entrepreneur Support Manager at UnLtd

    Amanda is a Social Entrepreneur Support Manager and has been part of the Thematic team at UnLtd since May 2021. Prior to this she was co-CEO of a youth leadership charity in south London. She has over 15 years' experience in the creative, education and charity sectors working in start-ups and on growth projects in the UK and abroad. An avid reader, Amanda is interested in the power of storytelling to build support and sustainability of ventures. She also likes data, dogs and all things nature based – not necessarily in that order.