Diverse business community to be celebrated with first BME Awards

Ipswich is one of the most ethnically diverse towns in the East of England and Suffolk is becoming an increasinlgy diverse county.

That diversity is also reflected in the variety of businesses in the county.

This prompted Bangladeshi Support Centre (BSC), an award-winning community organisation, to partner with the University of Suffolk’s Business School, the East Anglian Daily Times and Ipswich Star to initiate the Suffolk BME Business Awards 2016 to recognise and celebrate the contribution of Suffolk’s BME businesses especially in the post-Brexit context.

According to BSC, there are hundreds of BME businesses in Suffolk contributing millions of pounds to the local economy every year and this is the first time their contribution will be recognised.

Boshor Ali, chair of BSC, said, “This is an important initiative and BSC is delighted to be working with our partners to highlight the contribution of Suffolk’s BME businesses, which is much-needed in the current climate.”

Mojlum Khan, BSC Centre Manager, was delighted with how things have gone since the awards were launched around two months ago.

He said, “We have received more than 40 nominations from accountants, electricians, builders, caterers, social enterprises and wholesalers. We were taken aback by the response. Nominations received from across Suffolk.”

After the deadline for entries closed on September 30, the independent panel of judges met to sift through the applications. Dr Will Thomas, the deputy head of the University of Suffolk’s Business School, said “The panel of judges were very impressed by the quality of entries. We are delighted that so many BME businesses responded to our joint initiative.”

Terry Hunt, editor of EADT, was also happy.

He said, “We are delighted to be supporting such an important initiative. Suffolk’s BME businesses are an integral part of our local economy and it is only right for us to highlight their contribution and achievements.”

The award ceremony will take place at 7pm on Wednesday 26 October at the University with more than 100 guests, dignitaries, local government officials, business people, community leaders and volunteers.

If you would like to attend, please book a free place using the following link, first come first served (limited seats available): https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/suffolk-bme-business-awards-2016-tickets-27894146142