BME Awards 2019 (Ceremony on 23rd October 2019)
Press Release Suffolk BME Awards 2019
The 4th annual Suffolk BME Business Awards celebrating the diversity of businesses across Ipswich and the wider Suffolk area from BME (Black and Minority Ethnic) communities was launch on Monday 29th July 2019 at the University of Suffolk, Waterfront Building, Ipswich.
BSC Multicultural Services (formerly Bangladeshi Support Centre), an award-winning community organisation, is again partnering with the University of Suffolk’s Business School, and the East Anglian Daily Times and Ipswich Star to hold the awards. There are hundreds of BME businesses in Suffolk, contributing millions of pounds to the local economy every year, and the awards aim to acknowledge their contribution and achievements.
Mahbub Alam, Treasurer of BSC, said: “This is an amazing initiative that highlights the contribution of Suffolk’s BME businesses, which is much-needed in the current climate. The event continues to be a great success for BSC and our partners and I am looking forward to celebrating again this year.”
How to Nominate
Nominations can be made via the:
- University of Suffolk Business School website – www.uos.ac.uk/content/suffolk-business-school
- contacting the BSC office directly for a nomination form on 07932 644466 or visiting www.bscmulticulturalservices.org.uk/.
All types of businesses from across Suffolk are welcome to nominate themselves, including social enterprises.
The deadline for entries is Monday September 30th, after which an independent panel of judges will then meet to sift through the applications.
Dr Will Thomas, from the Suffolk Business School at the University of Suffolk, said: “We are pleased to be working with BSC again to recognise BME businesses and to acknowledge the contribution that they make to the local economy and to our local communities.”
Brad Jones, editor of the East Anglian Daily Times, added: “It’s a brilliant idea celebrating the often hidden contribution of the BME community in the county. Last year’s awards were a great start and now we can build on that. I am very much looking forward to the event in October.”
Jane Riley, Partner and Solicitor, said, “Kerseys Solicitors LLP have always understood the importance of recognising the achievements of businesses in the BME community and that is why we are so proud to sponsor the BME Awards for a second year.”
Andy Yacoub, CEO Healthwatch Suffolk said: “It is an absolute privilege to support and be a part of these unique awards. By promoting success, we hope that people will feel empowered to maintain the remarkable entrepreneurial spirit we are seeing in Suffolk. We also hope to increase awareness of Healthwatch Suffolk and how we can work to address matters that directly impact upon our local diverse communities.”
The Award Ceremony
The award ceremony will take place at 6.30pm on Wednesday 23rd October, at the University of Suffolk.
There are many opportunities to get involved. If you would like to sponsor an award, nominate a business or just attend the ceremony, contact BSC on 01473 400081 or 07932 644466.
The Main Categories
The main categories are:
- Business of the Year
- Startup/New Business of the Year
- Female Entrepreneur of the Year
- Businessperson of the Year
- Community Business of the Year
- Charity of the Year
- Health Champion of the Year
The judges will also announce a special award on the night.
