The British Business Awards has been urged to drop one of the contenders for an award because of his social media activity.
Roger Wade, chairman of Boxfund and a shortlisted nominee for “Business Leader of the Year” at the Awards ceremony, has been the subject of complaints sent to organisers, sponsors and media partners.
The complaints, submitted by UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI), include a dossier of dozens of social media posts from 2025 to 2026 . Examples from his social media include:
- “Why are pro-Israel lobby groups allowed to influence British politicians & media? The more I learn about how the genocide in Gaza has been permitted to unfold, the more alarmed I am by the influence pro-Israeli lobby groups exert over UK politics and media.”
- “We urgently need a full, independent review of how these groups operate, who funds them, and what access and influence they are buying.”
- “Since when has the BBC become a mouthpiece shaped by pro-Israeli lobby groups rather than a beacon of independent journalism? …
Our politicians, our media, our institutions are being shaped by powerful pro- Israel lobbying interests, and the voices of ordinary people are being crushed beneath them.” - “Did Israel ignore warnings of October 7, delay its response and even fire on its own citizens?”
- “The government looks like it will cave in to Zionist pressure …”
- “This is the reason antisemitism is rising: the utter bewilderment that Israeli Jews could repeat the sins of the Nazis … and that genocide is being committed by the “only Jewish State” in the name of the Jewish people.”
- “There are many supporters of Palestine who are afraid to speak up against the genocidal actions of Israel because they fear financial or professional repercussions …. Enough is enough! We all need to stand up against the genocidal actions of Israel. Because it is Palestinians today, and it could be any of us tomorrow!”
Mr Wade also commented on social media that those who support Israel are “Scumbags who support rapists and baby killers.”
In September 2025 Mr Wade was filmed repeatedly calling Israel-supporters at a protest “scumbags”.
Letters outlining the concerns have been sent not only to the awards organisers but also to partners and sponsors of the award, including NatWest, The Times and the Watson Foundation.
The British Business Awards, which are due to take place on April 30, promote nominees as exemplifying leadership, innovation and “responsible stewardship”.
UKLFI argued that the alleged conduct was incompatible with those values. The criteria of the award for which Mr Wade has been nominated include elements such as “fostering inclusive cultures, and empowering people to reach their full potential” and demonstrating “leadership beyond the organisation”. UKLFI’s letter expressed the view that Mr Wade could not claim to foster an inclusive culture, while publishing posts such as those included in the dossier.
A spokesperson for UK Lawyers for Israel said: “We have raised concerns about a substantial body of publicly available material. We are urging the awards organisers to review this evidence carefully and consider whether it is compatible with the values they seek to promote.”
The British Business Awards and its partners have not yet responded on whether the concerns raised will affect the shortlist ahead of the ceremony.