Useful information

We are delighted to support these important awards that recognise the significant and valuable contribution made by the Asian community in Britain today.

The awards cover all aspects of the community including Business and Commerce, Entrepreneurship, Professionals, Public Service, Media, Healthcare and Education and Lifetime Achievement.

The Professional Excellence Jewel Award

Winner:

Aamer Anwar - Aamer Anwar & Co Solicitors

In 2005 as spokesperson for G8 Alternatives he helped win the right to march on the G8 Summit in Gleneagles. In September 2005 Aamer became partner in his criminal defence law firm, and for two years in a row went on to be awarded the Criminal Law Firm of the Year, ‘recognised by the judges for regularly putting his head above the parapet and for doing important legal work’. In 2006 during the Israeli invasion of Lebanon, US planes were landing at Prestwick airport carrying munitions for Israel. Aamer raised the prospect of legal proceedings against the British Government for alleged complicity in war crimes and led demonstrations of protest.

The Public Service Excellence Jewel Award

Winner:

Sergeant Nita Jhanji-Garrod - Diversity Command Greater Manchester Police

Nita has been a serving GMP officer for 20 years, being the first Asian Police Woman to join the force in 1986 and subsequently the first Asian female Sergeant. In August 2005 she joined the newly established Diversity Command, which spearheads GMP’s strategic approach to diversity and supports the Force in developing a policing service, which meets the needs of all of Greater Manchester’s diverse communities.

The Retail Food & Franchise Excellence Jewel Award

Winner:

Zuber Issa - EuroGarages

2005 was a keystone in Eurogarages development into a major player in the forecourt trade locally and nationally. In 2006 it became a Virgin Fast Track 100 company and acquired much sought after sites in key locations. This growth coincides with the introduction of Lloyds TSB Corporate Finance and the Spar brand to forecourt shops. With Zuber’s enthusiasm and vision and Lloyds TSB support, EuroGarages is now acquiring smaller forecourt companies and also expanding to the Midlands.

The Business & Commerce Excellence Jewel Award

Winner:

Anjum Ahmed - Nik Nak Clothing

Anjum Ahmed set up NIK NAK Clothing in the early nineties and by 2002 had established the business with a strong client base and a wide network of factories producing exclusively for NIK NAK. In 2004 NIK NAK was rated as the 14th fastest growing company in U.K by Delloite’s INDY 100. Another rating as the 9th fastest growing company in the North West was awarded by the INSIDER Magazine. The business of NIK NAK has flourished due to the positive vision, dynamic leadership and relentless efforts of Anjum Ahmed.

The Healthcare & Education Excellence Jewel Award

Winner:

Robina Shah - Chairman of Stockport NHS Trust

Robina has given 13 years to public service; most of this is within the NHS and the Magistracy and the University of Manchester. Her First NHS public appointment was to Greater Manchester Ambulance Service NHS Trust in 1993. In 2000 Robina was appointed as chairman of Stockport NHS Trust. She was appointed to the Manchester City Magistrates Bench in 1994. In 2002 she was appointed to the University of Manchester Court and Council. Later she was also appointed to the New University of Manchester Board of Governors. Robina was awarded the MBE in 2003 for services to disabled children and received the commission of Deputy Lieutenant for Greater Manchester and Lancashire on April 28th 2006.

The Entrepreneur Excellence Jewel Award

Winner:

Asif Din - Dean Solicitors

Following a highly successful three years at Hammond Suddards Edge Solicitors, Asif Din was offered a senior position at Royal and Sun alliance as one of their In-House Solicitors, working closely with the Insurance Team. However his major breakthrough came when he decided to set up Dean Solicitors, his own Legal Practice in early 2002, specialising in the fields of Civil Litigation, Personal Injury, Employment, Commercial and Residential Conveyancing and Immigration Law. Having achieved the Investors in People standard in 2003, the practice has expanded to such an extent through its success with the culmination of two further offices opening in Bury and Bradford.

The Lifetime Achievement Jewel Award

Winner:

Nirmal Singh MBE

Nirmal Singh has over the last 30 years gained a wide range of experience in the business, public, community and charitable work sectors, contributing at local, regional and national levels. He has worked closely with business individuals, politicians and the community, towards harmony, unity and partnership.
He has chaired and been an active leading founder member of a number of Asian business organisations including Bradford Asian Business Association, the Yorkshire Sikh Forum and the Bradford and District Ethnic Minority Police Liaison Committee. His hard work and achievements were recognised when he was awarded an MBE presented by Prince Charles on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen.

The Lloyds TSB Asian Jewel Awards are celebrated across three regions each year. The Central Awards held in Birmingham will take place on Saturday 14 July 2007.