We’ve got some incredible news from our Unity Rise community.
Funmi Aishah Lawal, founder of Clip-Knix and one of the entrepreneurs who took part in our Unity Rise Black Business Fair, has been awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours List.
Funmi’s award highlights everything we already know about her: she’s innovative, determined, and passionate about helping people live with dignity and confidence. From designing adaptive underwear for people with mobility challenges to supporting women’s health projects in Nigeria, Funmi’s work is all about changing lives every day.
Showcasing Clip-Knix
Clip-Knix joined us in October at our Unity Rise Black Business Fair, where more than 10 Black-led businesses from Barnet showcased their products and services. Held at Brent Cross Shopping Centre, the fair was designed to give Black-led businesses greater visibility, opportunities to trade in a high-footfall environment, and connections with partners and the general public.
At the fair, Funmi was able to share the purpose behind Clip-Knix, an adaptive and incontinence underwear brand supporting elderly people, disabled people, and those recovering from surgery. Her stall drew interest from shoppers, fellow entrepreneurs, and local organisations, and demonstrated exactly why platforms like the fair are so important for businesses with a strong social mission.
Funmi’s success at the fair is a reflection of the strong foundations she has built through years of hard work, and we are proud that Unity Rise could offer a space where her story could reach even more people.
Funmi shared how grateful and joyful she feels about the award:
“I am deeply honoured and truly elated to be awarded an MBE. This recognition means so much to me, and I receive it with immense gratitude and humility. I am proud to be British and equally proud of my Nigerian heritage. I hold the values of service, integrity, compassion, and community close to my heart. This honour strengthens my commitment to continue uplifting women, supporting the elderly, and championing inclusion on every platform available to me.”
And honestly, all of us at CB Plus are delighted for her too. Because supporting entrepreneurs like Funmi is why we started Unity Rise in the first place.
The Unity Rise Community Keeps Rising
Through research, events and partnerships across Barnet, Unity Rise aims to open doors for Black-led businesses and support them to grow and connect. Stories like Funmi's remind us how important it is to shine a spotlight on the amazing work that is already happening in our community.
We're cheering loudly for Funmi today, and for all the inspiring entrepreneurs we work with. This award is a win for her, but also a win for business, for Black women in entrepreneurship, and for everyone who believes in building a fairer, more inclusive local economy.
Congratulations, Funmi, we're so proud of you!
To explore Funmi's full story, visit, and to discover more about the Unity Rise programme, here.
