A former Camden mayor was among a string of London winners at this year's British Bangladeshi Business Awards.
Nadia Shah was named Most Influential Woman of the year at the glittering awards ceremony in Birmingham on Sunday 25th October. Over 500 guests attended the ceremony at New Bingley Hall with Amnesty International as a charity partner.
Hosted by journalist and author Suzanne Virdee, it celebrated business achievements, top restaurants and community work of those connected to Bangladeshi communities across the UK.
Most Influential Woman
Judges praised Nadia saying:
Breaking historical barriers, Nadia Shah became Camden’s first female mayor of Bangladeshi heritage in 2016.
From grassroots youth work to decades of public service, local government, and mental health advocacy, she remains a powerful public figure and inspiration for women everywhere.
Other London Winners
The regional title for Best Restaurant for London and South East went to Yaki Ya! in Finchley.
Combining bold halal Japanese cuisine with London style, Yaki Ya! has grown from a North London favourite into an international brand expanding across Saudi Arabia. They were praised for "being celebrated for generous portions, eco-conscious packaging, and ARTA award-winning excellence that redefine modern dining".
Other London winners included Nazma Bibi and her husband Tipu Rahman for Family Business of the Year. They set up B&R Distribution based at West Thamesmead Business Park, which has grown into a leading national supplier of unique food products specialising in Asian and African food and drinks.
Creators of the popular Aydin Juice Drinks range, this dynamic husband-and-wife duo proves that shared entrepreneurial vision and family partnership build lasting industry success
said judges.
Abdus Samad from London won the title of Prominent Business Leader of the Year.
Spanning over three decades, Abdus is a true pioneer in British entrepreneurship. From launching early digital food ordering in 2005 to supporting 10,000 clients at Vantage Accident Management, his vision knows no bounds,
said judges.
As a founding partner of Futuredesh, he now connects global investors with rural farmers in Bangladesh.
Excellence in Media
Two members connected to London Bangla Press Club also were joint winners of the Excellence in Media Award. Abu Saleh Md Masum was described as a "titan of diaspora media".
From Daily Prothom Alo to founding Runner TV, reaching nearly 100 million video views, his digital platform keeps the global Bangladeshi community connected,
said judges.
Mohammed Jubair was the other winner and recognised as a prominent voice in British Bangladeshi media after spending 17 years as a Channel S Chief Reporter, interviewing Prime Ministers and royalty. He is also co-founder of pandemic relief initiatives and former President of the London Bangla Press Club, who now serves as a Strategic Adviser to Tower Hamlets Council.
Organiser's Comments
Dr Mish Rahman, head of Desh Foundation UK, which organised the BBBAs, said:
These awards recognise outstanding businesses and the latest successes in the British Bangladeshi community are an inspiration. They show why you should dream bigger, work harder and contribute more to society.
Every nominee and finalist made us feel proud. These awards aim to encourage enterprise, promote investment and build bridges between the UK and Bangladesh.
Winners Elsewhere
Other winners for the South East were Four Pillars Tandoori in Olney for Best Restaurant in Milton Keynes and Rushna Miah from Hertfordshire was honoured for Excellence in Community Services for transforming lives through HAWA Multicultural Services, tackling social isolation and supporting vulnerable women across Hertfordshire.
