Awards recognition for business graduates
Two Teesside University business graduates were among local heroes recognised at the 2017 Tees Valley BME Awards.
Business graduates Imran Ayoub and Junior Masandi were both recognised with awards at the annual ceremony applauding the achievements of individuals, organisations and businesses.
The awards, now in their ninth year, are a celebration of the area’s black and minority ethnic communities who make an invaluable contribution to the economy and vibrant social mix of the whole region.
Imran, who is behind De Melo in Middlesbrough, was presented with the BME Business Person Award in recognition of his entrepreneurial work in successfully creating the De Melo brand in Middlesbrough.
Junior was presented with the Community Individual Award to recognise his achievements as a business graduate who has not only successfully set-up his own business, but also finds time to support various community and voluntary organisations.
He said: ‘I am overwhelmed and humbled to have received the Community Individual Award, the award is in honour of everyone that has helped me along the way, to my family and close friends who are always on hand to help me support others.'
Awards were presented in a wide range of categories covering youth, community, business, public sector and education, private sector category. There was also a special presentation to a diversity champion, woman of the year and lifetime achievement award recognising sustained commitment and support for BME communities.
BME Network Partnership Manager Idrees Rashid said: ‘The awards are firmly established as one of the highlights of the year and continue to go from strength to strength.
‘It is an annual opportunity to celebrate the remarkable contributions made by many individuals and organisations across a range of sectors. Year in, year out they contribute their skills, talent and commitment to making this area thrive and prosper, while inspiring and promoting community cohesion.
‘This important event is a celebration of the individual and collective achievements of the diverse communities that make up the vibrant Tees Valley.’
