ASIAN JEWEL AWARDS 2004 - NORTHERN REGION WINNERS
(9 February 2004)

The winners of the prestigious Asian Jewel Awards (Northern region), sponsored by Lloyds TSB and the Institute of Asian Professionals and recognizing the achievements of Asian individuals in the UK, were announced last night at a glittering ceremony in central Manchester. Khalid Darr, Chairman of the Asian Jewel Awards, said "Asian men and women are injecting energy into communities, bringing new qualities to the world of business, introducing fresh thinking to the arts, fashion and modern culture."

The winners for the Northern Region were:

Ms. Zahida Manzoor CBE, legal services ombudsman for England and Wales, was awarded the Professional Excellence Asian Jewel Award. Ms. Manzoor is also a member of the Government Advisory Panel on Race Relations for the Home Office.

The Public Service Excellence Asian Jewel Award went to Mr. Vali Patel, chairman of Lancashire County Council, who has specialized in improving public services for ethnic minorities.

Ms. Usha Parmar, chief executive of Sunrise Radio (Yorkshire), was awarded the Media & Arts Excellence Asian Jewel Award. Ms. Parmar ensures that the station presents a balanced and informative service improving community relations both locally and more widely.

Brothers Ajmail and Sudarghara Dusanj of Cains Brewery in Liverpool received the Business & Commerce Excellence Asian Jewel Award. Europe's first Asian family brewers, the Dusanjes' brewery is the largest on Merseyside. Cains joint managing director Sudarghara Dusanj said: "To win this award alongside such an impressive array of successful people from the world of business in the UK is a great indicator that Cains Brewery is based in a fine city which provides every opportunity for entrepreneurs.

"This award is as much for the hard work of everyone at the brewery as it is for us. If our team didn't share our passion for our beers and pubs we wouldn't be half as successful. Ajmail and I came to the North of England as businessmen who had purchased a company in need of an injection of cash and enthusiasm - I hope that we have demonstrated our commitment to both of those."

The Healthcare & Education Excellence Award was presented to Dr. Mohammed Iqbal, ENT surgeon and consultant in audiological medicine. Dr. Iqbal has also held 'ear and hearing' clinics in Karachi and Lahore, providing donated hearing aids and newborn hearing screening.

Mr. Mohammed Arshad Ali, managing director of Cheshire Homes (UK) Ltd., received the Small Business Excellence Asian Jewel Award. Cheshire Homes now has a property portfolio of approximately £20 million.

The Lifetime Achievement Asian Jewel Award was presented to Dr. Shiv Pande CBE and Mr. Anil Ruia OBE. Dr. Pande is honorary secretary of the Indo-British Association (North) and national chairman of the International Doctors' Association. In 1996 Dr. Pande successfully negotiated setting up the PLAB professional test in India to allow young doctors there to take the exam without disturbing their professional or domestic lives, and he has also tirelessly worked for various charities. Mr. Ruia, a director at textile importers Wrengate Limited, was elected President of the Manchester Chamber of Commerce and Industry in 2002.

Mike Fairey, deputy chief executive of Lloyds TSB and a member of the judging panel, explains: "All the nominees are shining examples of Asian achievement in the UK. Lloyds TSB is committed to strengthening our relationships within the communities in which we do business. Sponsoring the Asian Jewel Awards is an ideal opportunity to recognise and celebrate the wealth of experience and expertise in the Asian community today."

The Central Asian Jewel Awards to be held in Birmingham on 24 April 2004 and the Southern Asian Jewel Awards to be held in London on 9 July 2004.

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