2009 ETHNIC MINORITY BUSINESS AWARDS

Celebrating Success Recognising Achievement

ETHNIC MINORITY BUSINESS AWARDS – WINNERS ANNOUNCED

Businesses and community leaders from across the East Midlands descended on the Nottingham Belfry Hotel on Friday evening, 9th October 2009, for the 11th annual First Enterprise, Ethnic Minority Business Awards.

The Awards, which recognise and reward achievement in the ethnic minority business community, were once again well attended with representation from a full spectrum of small businesses, and despite the tough economic conditions the judging panel acknowledged the number of high quality applications they received.

Speaking of the event, First Enterprise Chairman Hassan Ahmed commented: “In their own way everyone who entered these awards are winners. They are survivors who represent the breadth and depth of the ethnic community who seek self-employment as their own way to economic prosperity. First Enterprise is pleased to support these businesses and to provide a platform for them to make the most of wider opportunities.”

This year’s winners:
• Female Business Person of the Year Award – Miss Lorna Davy – Razzamataz Theatre Schools
In this category judges were keen to find a female business owner who not only plays an active role in her business, but someone who understands the needs of her community and has growth aspirations. They discovered all these qualities in winner Lorna Davy who began a Razzamataz Theatre Schools franchise for the NG4 postcode area in 2008. Since then Lorna and her team have trained 200 children in performing arts, providing activities which reach out to children and young adults of all backgrounds, cultures and abilities. The judges praised Lorna’s work in helping to tackle childhood obesity and her determination to keep children motivated and involved, while always looking for business expansion opportunities.

• Young Enterprise of the Year – Mr Andrew Walters, Walters Innovations
Judges in this category wanted a vibrant young business which not only has ambition for success and growth, but also shows long term potential for improving the welfare of local residents and job creation. Winner Andrew Walters proved you can have it all.

He may have been in business less than 18 months, but Andrew Walters has big aspirations to revolutionise the way employees commute. Through his company, Walters Innovations, Andrew has developed MonVal: an electrically-assisted bicycle, which he believes will reduce the physical, practical and social barriers to cycling. On selecting Andrew as a winner the judges applauded his commitment to commercialising his idea and his work to encourage a greener form of transportation.

• Most Positive Contribution to Nottingham – Mr Richard Renwick, Tuntum Housing Association
Looking for a local business that demonstrates exemplary care for their community or the local environment, the judging panel soon identified not-for-profit social enterprise, Tuntum Housing Association as something special. Established to develop and manage housing for venerable people in Nottingham, Leicester, Derby and surrounding areas, since 1988 Tuntum Housing Association has being acting in the best interests of their residents, not only creating affordable housing, but supporting a range of community initiatives such as the Nottingham Caribbean Carnival. The judges paid tribute to Richard Renwick and the team for their long term commitment to the community and their employment of local trade’s people.

• Developing Business Excellence Through Their People Award – Ms Elayne Small, Hi Tec Salon
Wanting to reward an organisation that makes a significant contribution to the continuous training and education of their employees, the judges felt Sneinton based hairdressing and beauty treatment company Hi Tec Salon was a clear winner. Since founding the business in 1997, owner Elayne Small has enjoyed significant growth and built a loyal client list from many differing cultures and nationalities. She places great importance on developing the skill set of her team, something recognised by the judges who felt Elayne’s continuous investment in training and encouragement to support community and charitable projects with local prisons, youth groups and schools made her a worthy winner.

• Business of the Year Award – Mrs Marva Daly-Lewis, Corporative Community Action (CCA)

When it came to a business that overall is run to the highest standards, that performs in the best interests of its customers and has plans for growth and success in the future, this year there could be only one winner. Cooperative Community Action (CCA) a not-for-profit social enterprise dedicated to servicing the needs of the ethnic minority communities and disadvantaged people in Nottingham dominated the night. Not only did CCA walk away with the coveted Business of the Year Award they were also shortlisted in two other categories. Over the last nine years CCA has secured vital funding and established a dedicated, skilled team who provide advice, guidance and training on a range of subjects from employment to health awareness and enterprise development. CCA has shown continuous growth starting with just two staff and now supporting 19 with plans to shortly recruit for a further 30 appointments. The judges were impressed by CCA’s professional competence, committed and imaginative team and their vision to bring new ideas to help sectors and communities in Nottingham and across the East Midlands.