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ABF Tiger Awards announce finalists

12/ 6/2008

THE finalists have been announced for this year's Asian Business Federation Tiger Awards.

The event will take place at the Reebok Stadium, Bolton on 20 June with star of Dragons’ Den, James Caan making a rare guest appearance as keynote speaker.

The finalists are as follows:

Business of the Year Award (sponsored by Business Link):

Motor Assist, a Manchester–based vehicle credit hire and claims management specialist.

Best Asian Media, set up in Rochdale in 2001 to produce one of the few English-language North West Asian newspapers, Asian Leader. In 2007, Asian Leader became the first regional ethnic newspaper in the UK to launch a digital edition online.

iTeddy, based in Bolton, manufacturers of a 21st century teddy bear that won investment after appearing on the BBC’s Dragons’ Den and subsequently became the best-selling toy in Argos over 2007.

Gafoor Poultry, Preston-based producer, processor and distributor of Halal poultry products and related foods.

Business Personality of the Year Award (sponsored by Leonard Curtis):

Adam Bhad, Blackburn-based entrepreneur running five successful businesses ranging from embroidery and catering to travel services.

Mohamed Sidat, Chairman and MD of the Blackburn-based Abu Hafsah Foundation, which helps under achieving-pupils and students in the North West, including organizing Hajj and Umrah trips.

Ash Ellahi of established Manchester-based prestige car company Boss Performance.

Andy Anderson, founder of Manchester-based Buzzrocks, an African-Caribbean restaurant serving authentic regional dishes.

Outstanding Woman in Business Award (sponsored by RBS):

Mariah Khan grew up in Pakistan, moving to Blackburn in 2001 to set up three dedicated outlets offering hair and make-up salons and fabric boutiques.

Carnforth-based Siew Allen, the owner of Jesson Clinic, offering acupuncture, massage and homeopathy. After working as a nurse for the NHS for 16 years, Siew’s passion grew for preventative medicine.

Vici Ladeji, based in Liverpool, set up Eventa Management after leaving school at 15. Vici has recently provided event management for The UK Film Council at the International Cannes Film Festival amongst others.

Blackpool-based Libby Nightingale set up her online digital photography company Chromasia in 2005, specializing in fine art photography and commercial commissions. Libby is a mother of eight.

New Business Start-Up (sponsored by Business Start Up Consortium):

Airport Apartments, based in Liverpool, provides serviced apartments offering innovative and affordable luxury for frequent travellers.

Blackburn-based Butterfly Snacks, providing gluten-free, savoury snacks for coeliacs.

Peregrine Group, based in Preston, specializing in prestige cars and related financial facilities.

Susino Umbrella Company, based in China and Liverpool, who in September 2007 became the first umbrella manufacturer to list their stock to the market and become a Plc.

Outstanding Customer Service Award (sponsored by the NWDA):

Style Rooms, a Preston-based boutique offering bespoke contemporary Asian designs.

Spice Valley, a Bolton-based restaurant offering customers authentic Indian cuisine.

Blackburn-based Univision Eye Centre, a family-owned opticians with 13 staff, all of whom are multilingual in community languages.

Tilemart, a family-run business with showrooms in Preston, Bolton and Manchester.

Creative, Digital and New Media Award (sponsored by the University of Central Lancashire, UCLAN):

Ilham Hamood, born in Yemen and now based in Liverpool, a freelance commercial photographer who has recently exhibited her work exploring the life experiences of asylum seekers and refugees.

Bolton-based creative design and internet marketing agency Red Chilli Design.

MMC Learning, Bolton-based e-learning and technology company, offering e-marketing training solutions.

UKStaff.co.uk, based in Preston, who have developed an online recruitment tool using cutting-edge mobile and social networking technology.

Workforce Skills and Development Award (sponsored by Learning Direct Business):

AdMix, a Manchester-based professional networking training and consultancy provider.

Denise-Douglas Armstrong, based in Manchester, who has trained over 100 staff in hairdressing over a period of 20 years in her own salon, JED Technique.

Leisure Guard Security, a Bolton-based provider of security personnel.

UK Good Deals, Preston-based direct importers of a wide range of outdoor leisure products.

Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award (Manchester Metropolitan University Business School):

Saima Anwar, 23, founder of Crystal Iced.com, a custom design boutique specializing in bespoke crystal design to customize: i-Pods, mobile phones and other accessories.

Safwan Hafeji, 20,Preston-based entrepreneur behind Swan Bathrooms.

Dil Pasand, 22, developed her Asian fashion range whilst a pupil at Lancaster Girls’ Grammar School. Her market includes both Asian and non-Asian clientele; Dil has recently designed her first full bridal collection.

Qasim Ditta, a Burnley-based graduate of Blackburn College who runs Omni Distribution, a mobile accessories wholesaler supplying over 100 retailers across the North West.

Professional Firm of the Year Award (sponsored by HSBC):

Blakewater Solicitors, a Blackburn-based personal injury and conveyancing solicitors.

Stephen Lickrish and Associates, a Manchester-based law firm with a strong presence amongst the Asian communities regionally.

Heatons LLP, a Manchester-based legal practice.

International Company of the Year Award (sponsored by Habib Bank AG Zurich):

UPA Paper Tech, based in Heywood, produces a staggering 90 per cent of the world’s tea bag paper and has its own 24-hour production facility.

Rosemead Designs, a Bolton-based, family-owned enterprise with a factory in China. The company imports and exports home furnishings for the UK market.

Goss Marble Ltd, a Bolton-based wholesaler and distributer of natural stone flooring and wall coverings.

Gem International, a Manchester-based commodities trader set up to broaden the emerging metal and financial industry in West Africa.

- The Asian Business Federation Tiger Awards are open to all ethnic minority owned businesses in the North West; nominations have doubled since last year.