2024 Finalists

Abu Ali, co-founder of WilliamsAli Corporate Finance, has made a significant impact on the North East business community since establishing the Newcastle-based corporate finance boutique in January 2019 alongside his business partner, Phil Williams. Specialising in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and funding advice, WilliamsAli has become a trusted partner for business owners and investors, offering expert guidance on company sales, management buyouts, and fundraising.

Akmal Ahmed is a Leading Aircraft Engineering Technician (LAET) in the UK Navy, specialising in the maintenance and operational readiness of the advanced F35 Lightning II aircraft. As a trailblazer for the South Asian community, he excels in a highly technical role, ensuring mission success and mentoring junior technicians.

Bhuvnesh is a Chartered Certified Accountant and qualified Insolvency Practitioner, serving as a Restructuring Director at a national business advisory firm. He plays a vital role in mentoring and training within his team, and is actively involved in the local community as a school governor and through professional networking initiatives.

Dr Sreejith Raveendran is an Assistant Professor/ Senior Lecturer in Biotechnology at the School of
Health and Life Sciences, Teesside University, UK. Dr Sree leverages advanced bio-nanotechnological
platforms to create novel nanotherapeutics targeting cancers, explicitly focusing on endocrine-related
cancers and glioblastoma (brain tumours).

The Durham Miners' Association (DMA) is a symbol of solidarity and community, championing working-class values. Through events like the Durham Miners’ Gala and services for retired miners, the DMA fosters inclusion and continues to uphold its proud legacy.

In April 2023, a passionate group of Indian diaspora members from various professional backgrounds came together with a shared mission: to create an umbrella organisation that connects and nurtures both ancient and modern Indian arts and culture in the North East. From this vision, the Indian Association North East (IANE) was born.

Bonded Agency is a pioneering digital and media solutions provider dedicated to achieving exceptional results through the power of connection. Guided by the mantra "Only Connect," the agency fosters deep relationships to create personalised, results-driven strategies for clients, utilising the expertise of senior specialists across various digital marketing disciplines.

The Newcastle United Foundation is dedicated to promoting inclusivity and community engagement through sport and education in the North East of England. As the charitable arm of Newcastle United Football Club, the Foundation creates opportunities for positive change, focusing on education, health, and community involvement.

Reema Nayyar is the director and founder of Quantum Seven Law, a national conveyancing firm specializing in residential and commercial property transactions. Established in 2023, the firm has quickly gained a reputation for its high-quality service and dedicated team, becoming a trusted name in the conveyancing market.

Saira has had a career centered around customer service, making the happiness and comfort of others a core part of her identity. However, in October 2021, she sought fulfillment beyond her job and began dedicating her personal time to making a difference in the community.

Show Racism the Red Card (SRtRC) is the UK’s leading anti-racism educational charity, dedicated to combating racism and promoting inclusivity through impactful educational initiatives. Founded in 1996 by Shaka Hislop, SRtRC engages over 50,000 individuals annually, driving positive change through football.

The University of Sunderland is a pioneering institution dedicated to promoting Equality, Diversity, Inclusion, and Social Responsibility (EDISR). The University has recently established an Institute for Economic and Social Inclusion. Through its core strategy, the University embeds inclusivity into every aspect of the student and staff experience, fostering a supportive and dynamic environment for all.

Founded in 2017 by two mums of children with life-limiting conditions, The Special Lioness is a charitable organisation that provides support and solidarity to families facing similar challenges. Offering a welcoming community for parents and carers, they focus on creating lasting memories and joyful experiences for families navigating difficult circumstances.

Westerhope Convenience Store is a cornerstone of community support, providing thousands of essential items to individuals facing financial hardship. Their dedication to alleviating food insecurity and serving the local population makes them a standout candidate for the Public Sector Award.

career paths and pursued Computer Science, completing the degree in 2000. Their career in the UK began in a local computer shop, leading to a role at EDS as a service desk agent for the DWP.
Over 20 years, they managed large-scale technology programs across multiple industries, including healthcare, retail, utilities, and government sectors, with expertise in IT strategy, business transformation, and project management. Beyond their professional life, the author is passionate about charity work, especially in providing access to food, water, and health.

Alosh K. Jose, founder of Cricketqube, has dedicated himself to making cricket more accessible in the UK, particularly for underserved ethnic minority communities and older adults in the North East. A passionate cricketer from India, Alosh's work has positively impacted community health and well-being, with Cricketqube engaging over 1,000 participants annually.

From humble beginnings in Kerala, India, to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the UK, Mr. Binu Kizhakail Skriah’s journey is a true testament to resilience, hard work, and the pursuit of dreams. Growing up in a financially struggling family, Binu had only one school uniform and little in the way of material wealth. However, he was rich in ambition and determination.

Dr Zaina Gadema is an accomplished interdisciplinary academic, researcher, and advocate for environmental and social justice, with over two decades of professional experience across multiple sectors. Her expertise spans sustainable supply chain management, ethics, disaster management, public health, climate change, and decolonisation studies. She has dedicated her career to advancing justice-based sustainable development, becoming a leading voice in creating ethical, transparent, and accountable supply chain transitions.

Fiona Surrey is the founder of FSM Ltd., a social enterprise dedicated to leveraging technology for social impact within communities. After being made redundant during the COVID-19 pandemic following 15 years in retail management and technology training, Fiona transformed her passion for digital marketing and brand advocacy into a platform for social good. FSM Ltd. helps businesses create social impact measurement tools that align with ESG standards while fostering trust, loyalty, and brand awareness through meaningful campaigns.

John McDonald is a seasoned Disability Consultant with over 20 years of experience in the healthcare sector. Following his diagnosis of bowel cancer and hydrocephalus in 2016, John underwent treatments that resulted in challenges related to fatigue and balance. Despite these, he has developed coping strategies that allow him to lead a fulfilling life both personally and professionally.

Khaled Musharraf is a dedicated community leader and the first Green councillor for Elswick, Newcastle, having secured 1,190 votes in the recent local election. He is a dedicated leader in community development, political advocacy, and sustainability, with extensive experience as an Independent Consultant and a commitment to social causes, Khaled currently serves as the Director of Enterprise for Urban Green Newcastle (UGN), a charity responsible for managing parks and allotments across the city. Khaled champions community engagement through initiatives like the British Bangladeshi Network and Newcastle Wanderers Cricket Club.

Neeraj Sharma is a trailblazer in the charity world and a fierce advocate for neurodiversity. Born and raised in the North East of England to parents who ran a corner shop, Neeraj’s deep sense of community and entrepreneurial spirit were instilled early. His journey into leadership started young, with a knack for taking on responsibility and a hunger for making real change.

Rizwan is a dedicated professional with a strong focus on inclusivity and community empowerment. With extensive experience in tech recruitment across the North East and Yorkshire, Rizwan has launched numerous initiatives aimed at increasing opportunities for underrepresented communities. His work has provided students and graduates from schools, colleges, and universities with access to meaningful employment in the tech sector through tailored workshops, career fairs, and mentoring programs. This commitment to fostering a more diverse and inclusive workforce has helped many young professionals successfully enter the tech industry.

Sajda Nawaz-Bhatti is the Head of Policy & Performance at Newcastle City Council, recognised for her exemplary leadership and commitment to advancing public service. With over 5 years in her role, she has significantly improved service delivery and community engagement through strategic policy development.

Sneha Rachel Sam is the Co-Founder and COO of METS Technologies, UK, where she is revolutionizing education through technology in Maths, Engineering, Technology, and Science. An inspiring entrepreneur, Sneha previously founded Citi Cabs Transport Service Ltd, demonstrating her resilience and innovative spirit despite facing challenges. Her leadership empowers others, making her a role model in traditionally male-dominated industries.

Sweeney Miller Law, led by Managing Partner Surbhi Vedhara, is a pioneering force in the North East legal sector. Since its founding in Sunderland, the firm has achieved remarkable growth and established a strong reputation for client-focused service and operational excellence. Under Surbhi’s leadership, Sweeney Miller Law has expanded significantly, employing over 80 staff and excelling in various practice areas, including dispute resolution and property law.

Uma Malhotra is the dynamic Managing Director of Cover Beauty, a thriving enterprise with six successful beauty businesses. Her inspiring journey from Wolverhampton to leading a multicultural team of over 35 employees in the North East of England showcases her resilience, vision, and commitment to women's empowerment and inclusivity.

WilliamsAli was established in 2019 by Phil Williams and Abu Ali. The original business concept was formulated over dinner when both businessmen discussed that the North East corporate market place lacked organisations that could offer true independency to their clients.

At this meeting, Phil and Abu both acknowledged that other large cities across the UK could easily demonstrate a variety of corporate finance boutiques whereas the North East lacked this offering.

Following the conversation, they fully researched the market place and could see that many ambitious North East based businesses had looked outside the region for truly independent technical expertise. Both could see that many accountancy firms in the region offered a corporate finance department but lacked that true independent spirit.

Aisha is the visionary behind Sensmart Ltd., a pioneering company in the health-tech sector. With over ten years of managerial experience and a background in healthcare, Aisha launched Sensmart to address critical issues in clinical nutrition. As a full-time parent carer for her disabled daughter, she became driven to create solutions that enhance the quality of care for individuals with disabilities, impairments, or those unable to communicate through conventional means.

Aman Chahal is the dynamic CEO of TaperedPlus, a leading company in the UK flat roofing industry. Since co-founding the business in 2014, he has driven innovation, growth, and sustainability, positioning TaperedPlus as a national leader in tapered insulation solutions.

Cllr Stephen Lewis Elms is a trailblazer in community leadership and inclusion, making history as the first person of Windrush descent, the first Jamaican, and the first Black individual to be elected in Sunderland. His groundbreaking election in 2024 marked a significant milestone for the city, reflecting his dedication to representing diverse communities and championing inclusivity.

Dr. Muhammad Wakil Shahzad is an Associate Professor and Head
of Subject in the Mechanical and Construction Engineering
Department at Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK.
He is a globally recognized expert in water generation and circular
economy, holding endorsements from the UK Royal Academy of
Engineering under the Global Talent program.

Hasan is the Group Director of HQ Group, leading the company’s diverse brands towards growth and innovation in the food and beverage and digital marketing sectors. Under his strategic guidance, brands like Burger Drop and Bubbl Tea Bar thrive, with plans for new launches like This Is Doner.

Kam Chera is unique in the world of North East business, in so far as he has been
successful across a whole range of industries.
From catering and hospitality to the creative arts, ensuring that Asian culture has a
platform across the region, Kam has excelled across a number of different platforms,
bringing his talent, passion and business acumen to bear in every discipline.

Meena Arora is a distinguished Global Medical Affairs Drug Development Scientist working as Vice President Global Medical Affairs and Research and Development focussed on Cancer Research. She has over two decades of experience in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors. With a keen focus on advancing innovative therapies, Meena has dedicated her career to bridging the gap between science and patient care, ensuring that ground-breaking treatments reach those in need.

Based in South Shields, New Hope North East is a registered children's charity dedicated to supporting disabled children and young people from ethnic minority backgrounds, including asylum seekers. Since 2016, they have worked to break down barriers that limit access to social, educational, and wellbeing services throughout Tyne and Wear and the North East.

Bhavesh Vasa is an inspiring legal professional whose journey from Mumbai, India, to the UK reflects extraordinary resilience and an unwavering passion for justice. Beginning his legal career as a criminal lawyer in Mumbai, Bhavesh pursued his ambition for greater impact by completing a Master’s in International Commercial Law at Northumbria University in 2004. This pivotal moment transformed his trajectory, igniting his commitment to delivering high-quality legal services in the UK.

Samuel Ubanatu is a dynamic leader whose career is marked by significant roles and contributions across various sectors. As the Child Workforce Director and Board Trustee at the Northbourne Youth Initiative, a Northeast Youth Charity, Samuel has played a pivotal role in shaping the lives of young people. His leadership and vision have helped the organization thrive, providing essential services and support to youth in the community.

Steve Russell is a seasoned leader with over 26 years of experience in the NHS, currently serving as the Chief Delivery Officer and National Director for Vaccination and Screening at NHS England. His exemplary leadership has been pivotal in driving public health initiatives, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Steve’s commitment to operational excellence and patient outcomes continues to transform healthcare in the UK.

The Dialogue Society is a registered charity dedicated to fostering dialogue and understanding between diverse communities. Established in 2020, the North East Branch has organized over 50 large-scale community events, engaging more than 5,000 individuals. Their initiatives, including Community Christmas Events, Iftar and Diversity Dinners, and Cultural Awareness Days, promote interfaith understanding and celebrate diversity. Driven entirely by a team of over 150 volunteers, the branch collaborates with around 200 local and national partners, emphasizing community engagement and cultural enrichment.

Wenyan Sharp is the U.K. Marketing Director at SolaX Power, where she leads innovative marketing strategies for sustainable energy solutions. She also serves as an Enterprise Advisor for the North East Combined Authority and Director at Galaxy Industrial Supplies Ltd, showcasing her expertise across multiple industries.

Zoë is a passionate advocate for diversity, equality, and inclusion, with a career spanning policing, arts, sports, and education. Her leadership roles, from being the first female chair of the Police Ethnic Minority Association to her current position as Head of EDI at Newcastle University, demonstrate her dedication to creating equitable spaces and amplifying underrepresented voices across the North East.