Welcome To Our Winners Gallery 2019!

7 Categories-20 Awards-2 Posthumous Awards 10 Special Recognitions

A Winner Is A Dreamer Who Never Gives Up #NelsonMandela

FOOD BUSINESS CATEGORY

RESTAURANT AWARD   Presented by George Ferguson  – Escorted by Sabrina North  The Winner- TRANSYLVANIA RESTAURANT, BRISTOL 

Transylvania Restaurant is a sprinkle of our iconic culture for a dining experience that goes beyond the food on your plate, this exciting venture not only gives the niche Romanian market a place to enjoy and relive their culture through the taste of food but also bring Romania to Bristol’s doorstep.

GOOD FOOD TAKEAWAY AWARD Presented by Deputy Mayor of Stroud Cllr Margaret Poulton and Moslek Uddin UK Curry Connect – Escorted by Andrew Parris –The Winner JDK CATERING, BRISTOL

JDK is a family run catering business, with a combined experience of over 30 years in the food industry specialists in Jamaican cuisines, with real Caribbean flavours and flair, so if are you looking for something exotic that takes your guests to the beautiful, golden, tropical shores of Jamaica, try JDK!

GENERAL BUSINESS CATEGORY

 ENTERPRISE BUSINESS AWARD  Presented by Ken Simpson of FSB – Escorted by Sue Sheikh – Winner 4Si HEALTH LTD, BRISTOL

4Si Health is a health and nutrition family business that utilise cooking to inspire people to eat better, live better and achieve the life they desire,  promoting a healthier lifestyle by cooking food with fats or oil, at low temperature hence keeping the nutrition in the food and save time and energy.

 ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR AWARD Presented by Vanessa Moon & Natasha Volkk Moon Executive Search Escorted by Tyrell Singer- Winner JONATHAN AND BETHAN TRUEMAN Gloucester 

We run Trueman Enterprise Group a family of two brands – True Design & Print and MADE Dance/MD Agency, established in 2015 by Jonathan E. Trueman, True Design & Print was the first business we founded. MADE Dance was co-founded by both of us in 2016 with MD Agency becoming a brand in its own right by early 2017.

 BUSINESS OF THE YEAR  AWARD Presented by Deputy Mayor of Swindon Cllr Garry Perkins and Mahad Magan of Magan Taxis  – Escorted by Emma Beatty Winner AMSCHELA BRISTOL

Amschela is a proud UK handbag designer brand that is an expression of today’s bold contemporary woman. Amschela draws inspiration from the rich melting pot of diversity in a connected world. Amschela is the wonderful feeling of owning discerning luxury and quality craftsmanship but at non-exorbitant prices. Amschela is a fusion of luxury within reach.

ART & ENTERTAINMENT CATEGORY

 MUSIC, ART & CULTURE AWARD Presented by Mayor Yate Town Council Councillor Karl Tomasin and Sandra Rise of Rise Awards – Escorted by Hannah Travers   The Winner – MICHELE CURTIS, BRISTOL

The founder and Executive Director at Iconic Black Britons®  endorsed by the Jamaican High Commission, Iconic Black Britons aim to fill the gap of multicultural representation within British society. I am most well-known for The Seven Saints of St. Pauls® Art & Heritage Trail; and mobile app.

MEDIA, DIGITAL & CREATIVE AWARD – Presented by Mayor Bradley Stoke Council Cllr. Tom Aditya and Inspector Justin French, the Neighbourhood Inspector at Trinity Road – Escorted by Iain Parris  – The Winner  SUNJAY SINGH, BRISTOL

At Life Media UK we work with our clients to increase leads and generate brand awareness through powerful video marketing. We get into the skin of the business and look at the purpose of the video, the message, the ethos of the brand, the customer journey, the target audience’s pains, goals and visions.

FASHION & BEAUTY CATEGORY

 HAIR & BEAUTY AWARD  Presented by Franclin Fernandes of Franclin’s Salon Swindon and Georgia Holmes Young American Mrs International  – Escorted by Mya Henry  Winner NATURAL SELECTION SALON, Swindon

This nomination is a reflection and tribute to my generous, supporting loyal customers and hard work, determination and dedication that anyone can achieve and overcome any barriers of ethnicity or cultural differences. You can evolve into a community and be welcomed, appreciated and respected.

 BARBERS & MEN’S STYLISTS Presented by H.E.Dr RAZVAN CONSTANTINESCU –  Honorary Consul of Romania to Bristol and Illeana CONSTANTINESCU – Winner – JH BARBERS & CO, BRISTOL

JH Barbers and Co is a high street barbershop whose identity is to give the community what you get in a high class town center barbers. Men’s mental health is a big issue in this day and age so it helps that clients know we are there for them not just for cuts but over a good cup of coffee and a good natter.

 FASHIONISTA & LIFESTYLE AWARD Presented by Mayor of Taunton  Cllr. Francesca Smith and Anndeloris Chacon Bristol Black Carers  – Escorted by Jade Clark Winner – PILOXERCISE, BRISTOL

We are a local, Bristol-based company owned and run by husband and wife team Pilo and Ilaria Selguera. The entrepreneurial fitness guru is the creator of the original PILOXERCISE fitness programme which is inspired by his Latin and Caribbean upbringing in Cuba and developed with more than 10 years of experience and knowledge from working in the fitness and health industry.

COMMUNITY AWARDS CATEGORY

 ROSA HUI EMPOWERING WOMEN AWARD  Presented by Rosa Hui MBE, DL  Bristol & Avon Chinese Women’s Group and Katherine Henry MTM Rosa Hui Empowering Women Award Winner 2018 Escorted by Pramila Shrestha of Nuneaton Nepalese Community – The Winner – ZAHEERA NANABAWA, GLOUCESTER

I am a Programme Manager with the NHS in a Commissioning Organisation and a volunteer working with women of all backgrounds and ages in Gloucester. I have worked as a youth worker for over 16 years in different settings, after which I set up an organisation in 2010 called WINGz which supports women and girls in the local community to connect and get involved in a wide variety of different projects.

 COMMUNITY GROUP AWARD   Presented by Police & Crimes Commissioner Sue Mountstevens and Mazhar Iqbal – Escorted by Inderjeet Kaur Ghataure – The Winner NEPALESE ASSOCIATION WILTSHIRE

NAW was established in 2006 in Swindon and unites Nepalese in Wiltshire. Our aim is to strengthen community spirit and to help the community integrate into British society in a meaningful way. The foundations of NAW were set after Nepalese, especially Gurkhas began migrating to Swindon.

 MUKHTYAR SINGH COMMUNITY CHAMPION AWARD Presented by Mayor of Calne Cllr Robert Merrick  and Naseem Talukdar the Founder of Plastic Pollution & Awareness Project – Escorted by Hannah Tordoff  The Winner– IMTIYAZ SHAIKH, SWINDON

As a Borough Councillor, my casework varies dependent on community requirements. As I continue to work closely alongside and maintain relationships with the Police and local business and always look for ways to promote Swindon and our diverse community. I am currently on the Executive Committee for the Goan Swindon Association who most recently held the 12^th annual Goan Festival.  Since settling in Swindon my wife and I work to bring communities together, attend to the dire needs of newly settled ethnic communities in Wiltshire and are always on hand to support small businesses.

Dr PAUL STEPHENSON UNSUNG HERO AWARD  Presented by Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant Mrs Peaches Golding OBE and  RAMLA SAID OMAR – Al-Muqtadir Foundation Kenya – Escorted by Najma Mohammed Bunu – We4She Mombasa, Kenya  – The Winner ASHISH CHANNAWAR, SWINDON

Ashish a successful technology leader in Financial Crime is a Swayamsevak which is a Sanskrit word for community worker with the moto of selfless service and detachment. Ashish has emerged as a role model in the true sense with his inspiring social contributions in the country and global thought leaders in the technology area. He is one of the founders of the first Hindu Temple & Cultural Centre in Wiltshire.

SPECIAL AWARDS CATEGORY

 YOUNG ACHIEVERS AWARD  Presented by Mayor of  Rt. Hon. Mayor of Bath Councillor Gerry Curran and Penninah Achieng-Kindberg – Escorted by Digpal Singh Summerhill Sikh Gurdwara Bristol  Winner –MASOOR KHAN, BRISTOL

Masoor works as a community coach for the Gloucestershire Cricket Board (GCB), his role is to work in disadvantaged areas of Bristol and use cricket as a tool to build relationships within communities, empower young people and provide an opportunity for young people to enjoy cricket. He is leading the Chance to Shine Street projects aiming to inspire young people to access cricket, whilst promoting social cohesion.

PERSON OF THE YEAR AWARD  Presented by Mayor TIM BOWLES West of England Combined Authority and Vinod Shrestha – Gen-Sec Nuneaton Nepalese Community – Escorted by Secretary Nepalese Association Wiltshire – Manju Bura Rana Winner POKU PIPIM OSEI, BRISTOL

Poku Pipim Osei, a respected social entrepreneur, Founder and CEO of the award-winning Youth Empowerment Organisation, Babbasa. Poku is also the co-founder of Black Professionals Network and a deep advocate for many equal opportunity causes in Bristol and the South West.

OPEN AWARDS CATEGORY

NATIONAL AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE & ACHIEVEMENT  Presented by High  Sheriff  City of  Bristol Charles Wyld and the President of Lions Mercia Coventry Lion Karam Bharij Escorted by Mrs Zaheer Shabir.    The  Winner PACE CHARITABLE TRUST LONDON

Promoting Active Participation Of Young Disabled People In Sport And Leisure, PACE began as a club for young disabled people, their friends and siblings, providing access to sports and leisure activities. It has grown into an award-winning organization providing a range of services to its beneficiaries and the wider community.

 NATIONAL ROLE MODEL AWARD  Presented by Assistant Chief Fire Officer – SIMON SHILTON and Frank Arko-Tharkor Ghana Community Bristol  Escorted by Georgia Holmes- MTM Best Model Award 2014 Winner –The  Winner  IRYNA KING, COVENTRY

Through her musical talents, Iryna brought communities together especially the young, her work with the women’s committee, to elevate the role of our women in society and instil pride in our traditional values, culture costumes and folklore., she has cross boundaries and integrated the Coventry Ukrainian community with other ethnic minority communities. Music as a bridge to community cohesion has been her main tool.

INTERNATIONAL AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE AND ACHIEVEMENT  Presented by Hon.Amriya Boy Juma Boy MCA Mombasa County Kenya and Escorted by Mohammed Ali Tahir, a young community activist and past  MTM Young Achievers  Award Winner 2014  – The  Winner– Jane Lucas of GUTEALL Nakuru County KENYA 

GUTEALL began with the executive director, Jane Lucas, after suffering from domestic violence; Jane fled the UK with her two children. When she returned home to Kenya, she realised that many women had it worse than her. This prompted Jane to launch GUTEALL, a project to help persons affected by domestic violence. So many children go without a meal for days and weeks but GUTEALL has decided to step in and feed as many as possible.

 POSTHUMOUS AWARD

JOYCE STEPHENSON, BRISTOL

VASUBEN KATHRECHA BRISTOL Hindu Temple 

Special Recognition

TARA MIRAN – BRISTOL KURDISH COMMUNITY a community enthusiast whose most recent experience involves working on a variety of community projects; highly autonomously, to encourage community engagement and enable residents to learn, enjoy and connect with opportunities available to them through local organisations.

MOSLEK UDDIN – UK CURRY CONNECT Weston Super-Mare – Somerset  Founder of UK Curry Connect although created to address the staff and skills shortages within the Asian catering industry by actively campaigning MPs and government departments to relax their hostile approach to immigrants and the excessive visa requirements so that chefs could be brought in from outside the UK.

Special Recognition

MARIAM OMAR BBC AFRICA SERVICE London is the Team Manager/Output Editor of Dira TV-Africa. Late last year Mariam was part of the team that launched two language programmes for project 2020 Children programme and also helped launch the 2020 Business programme both in English and Swahili at BBC East Africa Bureau in Nairobi.

JASPER THOMPSON –  HELP BRISTOL’S HOMELESS Jasper set up  Help Bristol’s Homeless to help the many that sleep rough in Bristol, we support each individual on our project by collaborating with other groups and support networks to get people back on their feet financially, emotionally, and regain their self-confidence and self-respect.

DILAWER SINGH POTIWAL – SIKH RESOURCE CENTRE Bristol Since 2015 Dilawer has been heavily involved with the Sikh community and other local communities and has been one of the founding members that set up a Sikh War Memorial Peace Garden project in Castle Park in Bristol, a project that we successfully delivered this year. This project helped raise awareness of the sacrifices of the Sikh soldiers and the Sikh community in both World Wars.

Special Recognition

ZAHRA DATTANI Croydon, LONDON Zahra is a successful entrepreneur in Croydon, UK and a community Humanitarian. She is passionate about assisting communities in Africa, especially in Bukoba, Tanzania, her place of birth to be exact. “Seeing the challenges these communities undergo takes me to my childhood when we experienced”.

GLORIA MORRIS – GOLDEN AGERS CLUB Bristol  Gloria Morris of the Golden Agers Club, Bristol helped to motivate older people to keep occupied and active. This includes exercising, sewing, dominoes, day outings (via coach), intellectually stimulating discussions, open meetings and computer classes.

DOAA SHAYEA – PLYMOUTH The difference I feel I have brought to the community that I serve, perseverance, determination and the knowledge of never giving up no matter what horrific circumstance life has put you in.  To get up and keep fighting no matter how many reasons you have to just stay down

 KEVIN CHONG – BRISTOL & AVON CHINESE WOMEN’S GROUP As the Operations Manager for Bristol and Avon Chinese Women’s Group (BACWG) and someone who works behind the scenes, his work does not have a direct impact on the community; however, without Kevin’s support, the project staff would not be able to provide the valuable and important support to the often invisible members of the Chinese community. He is the driver of BACWG.

MOJGAN KHAYATIAN and MANIZHAH MOORES  Manizhah Moores and Mojgan Khayatian are the sisters of Bijan Ebrahimi who was tragically murdered in July 2013 – this was a horrific racist murder where Bijan was kicked to death and then set on fire: Mojgan and Manizhah have fought tirelessly for justice and a legacy of change so that their brother did not die in vain; throughout they have remained dignified, calm and measured and have been challenging and constructive.

 DR CAROLINE MAKAKA – LADIES OF ALL NATIONS LONDON Dr Caroline Makaka is a well determined and vigorous individual, yet pleasantly calm, she reflects a varied personality including ambition and the qualities of generosity & thoughtfulness. She is very passionate about uniting cultures under one roof for a great cause and funding initiatives that empower the most vulnerable women and children around the world.
She is a Founder of Ladies of all nations international.

MTM BATOOK PANDYA LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD 

BATOOK PANDYA LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD  Presented by The Right Honourable Lord Mayor of Bristol Cllr Jos Clark and Irvin Campbell Chair Stand Against Racist Incidents  Escorted by Georgia Holmes MTM Awards Ambassador Wiltshire. awarded to AMJID ALI, BRISTOL

Our Batook Pandya Lifetime Achievement Award winner as a total of 25 years’ retail, business and Islamic banking experience. His professional career in financial services began in Nov 1986 when he joined Midland Bank as a management trainee. The last 10 years of his career with HSBC was spent as UK Head and Senior Manager, HSBC Amanah the Islamic Financial Services Division of HSBC Group.  In this role, he and his team were recognised for their outstanding service and delivery of Islamic Financial Services in the UK and Globally.

Following advice from his medical team, he decided to take early retirement in June 2012 following a kidney transplant.   He is now an Independent Management Consultant working across a range of Private, Public and Voluntary Sector organisations. One of his key partnership roles is that of Project Lead, ‘Transplantation within the framework of Shariah (Islamic Law)’ for NHS Blood and Transplant. A pioneering initiative he developed to engage Muslim faith leaders and community influencers to increase awareness and engagement amongst the diverse Muslim communities in the UK.

He has successfully secured the support of more than 250 key Muslim stakeholder groups across the UK including influential Islamic Scholars & Imams, Muslim Charities, Community organisations and Clinical leads.  His perseverance and hard work over the course of the last 5 years has led to the development of an updated religious edict (Fatwa) on Transplantation and Organ donation.  This has been a key concern for the diverse Muslim communities and addresses many of the religious concerns that practising Muslims have in relation to this issue.

He has also been actively involved in other community work on both a local and national level.  He has been a non-Executive Director of a local NHS Trust Board and is currently a member of several Strategic Advisory Boards Including ‘Taking Organ Donation to 2020’.

He currently Chairs, the Strategic Independent Advisory Group for Avon and Somerset Police.  He has also been commissioned by the Constabulary to undertake a review of its Independent Advisory Groups across the force area. As part of this review, he has been able to instigate a new model of engagement and insight gathering through the development of specialist IAGs to build ‘trust and confidence with all communities particularly BAME communities

He was one of the core members of the Steering Group that drafted the Manifesto for Race Equality which led to the formation of the Mayoral Commission for Race Equality in Bristol.  He was instrumental in developing the selection process and along with 3 other community panel members appointed the current Commissioner for Race Equality.

MTM AWARDS supported by …