Northern Asian Powerlist celebrates Asian businesses in the region

A project to redress this geographical imbalance and recognise the good work of Northern Asians has compiled together a list of prominent businesses, professionals, influencers, women, media, politicians and third sector across the Northern Powerhouse.

Sharon Jandu, project director for the Northern Asian Powerlist, told The Yorkshire Post: “What we really wanted to do was showcase the talents of the North. We really wanted to show some of the great stuff that people in the North are doing.

“It was about really showing off some of these gems because what happens is people in the North of England tend to get ignored.”

The first Northern Asian Powerlist 2020 was unveiled on October 2.

This is the first time that the role of British Asians has been recognised for strengthening the economy of the North of England.

There are 4.3 million British Asians in the UK contributing £120bn to the economy each year.

The Powerlist has been whittled down from hundreds of nominations to 101 people from across the North.

A panel of judges featuring Professor Monder Ram, Henri Murison, Roger Marsh OBE, Gill Laidlaw, Simone Roche and Qasim Majid chose overall winners for 11 different categories.

Mr Marsh, chairman of the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and NP11, said: “I am delighted and honoured to support the Northern Asian Powerlist 2020. In the category I judged I was blown away by both the quality and quantity of entries.

“The nominations and winners we chose are all exceptional business leaders, driving forward innovation, creating successful and growing businesses whilst retaining a strong focus on giving back to their communities.”

Ms Jandu hopes that the Powerlist will bring together the Asian business community and help younger entrepreneurs on their journey.

The South Asian business community not only makes a contribution to the UK economy but also provides a opportunity to create a “living bridge” - strengthening of ties - with the subcontinent, says Ms Jandu.

Kully Thiarai, creative director of the Leeds 2023 cultural festival, was named the overall winner of the Cultural Icon category.

She said: “The North is rich with talent and creativity. I am delighted to be able to play my part in nurturing talent and unlocking opportunities for others, celebrating the vitality of our diverse cultural heritage across the UK and the Northern Powerhouse.”

Overall winners in the Powerlist

Politics and Diplomacy: Rishi Sunak

Digital and Technology: Furqan Alamgir

Women in Business: Karina Jadhav

Business Leader: Simon Arora

Emerging Entrepreneur: Sonya Bachra-Byrne

Emerging Leader: Amir Hussain

Inspiring Professionals: Syima Aslam

Thought Leaders: Nazir Afzal OBE

Cultural Icons: Kully Thiarai

Food and Drink: Mohammed Ishaq MBE

Social Changemakers: Hanif Malik OBE and Rifhat Malik MBE

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James Mitchinson