Awards seek to celebrate the North’s Asian community

It’s the final days for nominations for the Northern Asian Powerlist 2020 which will profile the achievements of the top 100 Asian businesses, professionals, influencers, media, politicians, third sector, and influential women across the North of England.

There are a host of Powerlist categories reflecting the eclectic mix of contributions to the North of England and the UK more widely. From the media and the arts to science, technology and medicine, the Asian community is making its presence felt and thee Powerless looks to celebrate this.

This year’s categories include:

• Politics and diplomacy
• Digital & technology
• Business leader
• Emerging entrepreneurs
• Inspiring professionals
• Thought leaders
• Sustainability and environment
• Cultural icons
• Social changemakers
• Women in business
• Emerging leader

Beyond the announcement of the Powerlist in the north of England  on 24 September, there will be a celebration in the House of Lords followed by a trade mission in March 2021.

The Powerlist is being supported by Leeds Beckett University, Natwest, Squire Patton Boggs and West Yorkshire Combined Authority alongside an array of organisations from every corner of the north of England.

Sharon Jandu, project director of the Powerlist said: “This is an exciting moment. Against the background of global uncertainty, whether due to the Covid-19 pandemic or political unrest, we are celebrating the brilliance of people across all of our towns and cities in the north of England. British Asians have made a substantial contribution to our places and identities and this is about a recognizing them and their stories. We want these brilliant people to be role models for people of all backgrounds to strive, to achieve, to be their best.”

Ninder Johal DL, CEO of Nachural Media Group, said: “For the UK to prosper – it needs to increase its productivity – but to do that – it needs to harness every bit of talent available. We have so much talent across all of our communities. This list not only highlights the achievements of a diverse U.K. Plc and the North in particular but also acts as an inspiration for generations to come.”

Dr Joanna Berry, associate professor entrepreneurship, Durham University Business School and part of the nominations panel said: “I am feeling very proud and privileged to have been asked to judge these awards. The Asian community across the whole country is a hugely important part of our national identity. But in the north particularly, reflect that very special combination of care for community, family and colleagues. This is evidenced in so many different ways and the range of award categories is suitably wide, to encompass all of these. I am looking forward to judging the entries immensely and in the future to celebrate their success.”

Henri Murison of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership said: “The north bristles with talent and capability across a large swathe of sectors with our Asian community contributing enormously across every town and city. I am looking forward to celebrating their successes across the Northern Powerhouse.”

Nominations should be directed to Sharon Jandu by the closing date of 16 July 2020.