by business editor Trevor Sturgess

Kent boss Cedric Frederick has been named one of Britain's most influential black people.

The chief executive of Avante Partnership, a care company based in Faversham, was included in the 2011 Powerlist alongside celebrities such as Naomi Campbell, Dizzee Rascal and Idris Elba.

The list is published by Powerful Media in partnership with investment bank JP Morgan and media company Thomson Reuters.

Mr Frederick, a member of the Business Advisory Group of Kent Economic Board, was recognised for his work in driving forward a charity that provides residential care homes and homecare services.

It employs 2,000 staff and volunteers who serve more than 5,000 people of all ages.

Apart from his business role, he is a Governor at Canterbury Christ Church University, and a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management and the Royal Society of Arts.

The 6ft 6in former England basketball player, said: "This is a great honour, both for myself and also the other people listed from the world of business and commerce.

"I hope, in some small way, it will help to tackle the stereotype that black people can only succeed in music and sport."

Michael Eboda, CEO of Powerful Media, said: "The Powerlist offers a view of black British society that few are aware exists.

"It is often said that there is a lack of black role models but the Powerlist shows this to be patently untrue.

"It's a publication that should be made available to as many young people as possible because it is really important for them to see people like them, from backgrounds similar to theirs who have achieved at the highest level."