'My family's been here 100 years – we want to contribute'

Business owners from black and minority ethnic (BME) backgrounds are being celebrated for their "creativity and economic contribution" to a county.

The seventh Suffolk BME Business Awards are open for nominations, after launching in 2016.

Mojlum Khan, funding and development manager from BSC Multicultural Services, said: "The response over the last six years has been overwhelming.

"We want to celebrate our communities all across the county, and promote a new generation of entrepreneurs and businesses to make this county very prosperous."

The awards will be presented on Tuesday, 10 November at the University of Suffolk.

Mac Khan, owner of Staines and Co. Accountants, said: "This ranges from different types of businesses from care homes, pharmacists, local shops, restaurants... we've got lots of corner shops now being taken over.

"They hold the backbone of the economy in some cases, particularly in Ipswich, and I am pleased to be part of this to make sure it's recognised in the community."

Suffolk New College is also supporting the awards.

Marianne Flack, deputy principal at the college, said: "To be part of an event like this is really important for us because we need to show really positive role models to our diverse communities to help them aspire and be successful in their future careers."

Mohammed Mainul Alam, centre manager for BSC Multicultural Services, said: "I think we live in a world where people are thinking about what is to be in this country and asking 'what is the future?'.

"We're all intertwined. My family's been here more than 100 years, so we want to contribute.

"The people who are moving here, the people who have been here for generations – we are showcasing that the whole of Suffolk is diverse."

• Business of the Year (Catering)
• Start up/New Business of the Year
• Female Entrepreneur of the Year
• Health Champion of the Year
• Business Person of the Year
• Community Business of the Year
• Charity of the Year
• Judges' Special Award of the Year
• Business of the Year

Nominations forms can be downloaded from BSC Multicultural Services.

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