Awards recognising the cultural diversity and success of ethnic minority-owned businesses in Suffolk are back for a sixth year. 

Nominations are now open for the Suffolk BME Business Awards 2024, following the success of their last one in 2022.

The last event alone had 100 nominations from dozens of nationalities.

BSC Multicultural Services and the University of Suffolk will once again bring the awards to Ipswich, recognising the efforts of community heroes across the county that often go unrecognised.

Chairman of BSC Multicultural Society Boshor Ali thanked the university and sponsors for making the event possible.

He said: "The purpose of this event is to unite BME businesses and highlight the contributions BME businesses are making in our industry. 

"They never get any acknowledgement and sometimes they are even bigger and better in mainstream businesses, which is why we have these awards."

Mr Ali further emphasised that people should nominate any business they think is worth the support and that BSC will go and encourage them to take part.

Ipswich Star: Heads of BSC ask everyone to nominate whoever they think deserves the awardHeads of BSC ask everyone to nominate whoever they think deserves the award (Image: Charlotte Bond)

The event is sponsored by SAI Estates and Kersey Solicitors, along with newfound support in Ipswich Bazaar Ltd. 

Director of Ipswich Bazaar Ariful Islam said: "This event allows helping bring the BME community together and be able to help each other going forward."

Senior Partner at Kersey Solicitors Jane Riley said that they support this event because "you can see that sometimes it can get harder for people from the BME community to get where they are".

Dr Sachin Karale, of sponsor SAI Estates, said: "I can see how the local businesses are feeling and it is important to help support them and recognise them in today's economic situation."

The awards are supported by Ipswich Borough Council as well, with council leader Neil McDonald saying he is very pleased to support the work within the community.

The awards are also supported by the Ipswich Star and East Anglian Daily Times.

The award categories include:

  • Business of the Year (Catering) 
  • Startup/New Business of the Year
  • Female Entrepreneur of the Year
  • Health Champion of the Year
  • Businessperson of the Year
  • Community Business of the Year
  • Charity of the Year
  • Judges Special Award of the Year

To nominate a business or person for any of the categories, you can download a nomination form from www.bscmulticulturalservices.org.uk.

Forms must be completed and returned to BSC Multicultural Services, Room 29, 19 Tower Street, IP1 3BE by September 30. 

An evening of celebration will be held on November 26 at the University of Suffolk's Waterfront Building, from 6.30pm to 10pm.