12 March 2010

EMBF Northwest awards 2010 winners

The 2010 Ethnic Minority Business Awards have been announced.

This year’s winners are:

• International Business Award – Bilal Poultry Products, Bolton

• Young Entrepreneur – Kenneth Cheung – BEECycle, Liverpool

• Social Enterprise of the Year – Wai Yin Chinese Women Society, Manchester

• Rising Star Award – Deaf Education Advocacy Fellowship, Bolton

• Professional Business Award – HBS Group

• Entrepreneur of the Year – Vahida Naeem – Direct Today Couriers, Bolton

• Business of the Year – Wai Yin Chinese Women Society, Manchester

Businesses and individuals from across England’s Northwest enjoyed this year’s event that took place at Liverpool’s Anglican Cathedral on Thursday 11 March. Winners were selected by audience members via an interactive polling system.

The awards, presented by Ranvir Singh once again celebrated the contribution that BME individuals and businesses make to the regional economy in the Northwest.

Supported by the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), the EMBF was set up in January 2005 and provides strategic leadership and strategic policy advice to the NWDA, key regional decision makers and stakeholders in order to empower BME businesses to maximise their full potential for the benefit of the region’s economy.

Steven Broomhead, Chief Executive of the NWDA, said:

“Congratulations to this year’s winners, all of whom are leaders in their fields of work. I am delighted to have been a part of this years event, which celebrated the very best of the region’s BME business community and the cultural diversity of England’s Northwest.

“Long may these awards continue to spark the imagination of budding entrepreneurs and encourage others to set up or expand businesses in the region.”

Regional Minister Phil Woolas said:

“I am/was delighted to attend The Ethnic Minority Business Forum Awards which are a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the contribution and achievements of ethnic businesses in our region. 

“I would like to congratulate not just the winners, but also all the businesses that play such a crucial role in not only the economic and social development of the North West, but also contribute a tremendous amount to our region’s economy, its charities, community groups and cultural life.”

Dr Nighat Awan OBE, Chair of the EMBF Northwest said:

“Without the NWDA we wouldn’t be here tonight and our board reflects the diversity of the region.

“The event was amazing! We had a fantastic selection of finalists and worthy winners were chosen by the audience. We are proud to hold our prestigious ceremony in Liverpool – truly the world in one city.”

For further information go to www.embfawards.co.uk

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Notes to editors:

•  EMBF NW comprises a number of voluntary board members whose task it is to drive policy making activities and ensure good governance. In this role, the board provides the EMBF NW’s interface with key strategic partners at national and regional level.

•  The EMBF NW has strong, direct links to the BME business community through its board members and delivery partners. Its thinking and policy development will continue to be shaped and informed by a close affinity to grass roots BME businesses in the North West.

•  EMBF NW will focus its activities over the coming years in three specific areas where it can strongly support and add significant value to the regional economic strategy - Access to Markets, Skills and Business Support.

For further information please contact Shelley Tattersall, Press Officer on 01925 400256 or mobile 07500 128482 or shelley.tattersall@nwda.co.uk

For urgent out of hours press enquiries please call 01925 400259

The Northwest Regional Development Agency works to deliver economic success in England’s Northwest by building the competitiveness of its businesses, people and places. Utilising our technical expertise and strategic influence, we help the region’s 250,000+ businesses to develop and grow, as well as supporting international trade and encouraging inward investment.

For further information and to view previous press releases visit us at www.nwda.co.uk/press