The top 50 most influential LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) people in business and enterprise will be officially recognised in January.

For the first time Britain’s leading LGBT business powerhouses will be ranked in a comprehensive list which will be published by the Daily Telegraph in collaboration with the leading diversity and inclusion events company, Square Peg Media.

The team behind the Out at Work Top 50 today called for City leaders and chief executives to nominate the most deserving LGBT executives from across their organisations.

The judging panel led by diversity and inclusion expert Linda Riley and Lord Michael Cashman aim to highlight the most successful LGBT achievers in business in 2015 when the list is announced at the Houses of Parliament on 15 January.

Nominees will be considered according to a key criteria including impact on business, involvement in internal and external diversity events, helping shape policy on LGBT issues and work to incite change.

It is the first time a list of rising LGBT stars in business has been complied.

Linda Riley, Chair of the Out at Work Judging Advisory board and who is also the Founder of European Diversity Awards said:

“This list is incredibly important in recognising the individuals working tirelessly for the LGBT community that might ordinarily be overlooked due to their position in the company, or the size of their company.

“We don’t want a list of the highest paid LGBT executives. To be considered as a nominee for the Out at Work Top 50 Most Influential LGBT People in Business, an individual needs to be out at work and have made a difference to the LGBT network in their company, for example: working to promote it, supporting LGBT charities, mentoring or acting as a role model.”

Nominations can be submitted at http://www.outatworktop50.com