YABA release Northern Asian Power list 2023

The Northern Asian Power list 2023 was released at a stunning ball at the Cedar Court Hotel in Bradford recently.

Hosted by Sharon Jandu OBE, the night brought the Asian and local business community together. Sharon stated, “It is brilliant to see this annual event to come together and celebrate the brilliance and excellence of the top Asian business influencers, businesspeople and politicians across the North of England. From the nominations to the judging, sponsors and organisers, it was a wonderful evening and special thanks as always to our patrons Squire Patton Boggs.”

YABA Chairman's Awards deservedly went to some notable and iconic individuals and the winners:

• Nicky Chance-Thompson DL - The Piece Hall (Winner - The YABA PLACE Award)
• Hashem Abdi - Squire Patton Boggs (Winner - YABA PLANET Award)
• Kulvinder Ghir - British Asian Actor and Comedian (Winner - YABA PEOPLE Award)

Running since 2017, the event has become a highlight in the business community calendar.

Supported by Lord Bilimoria CBE DL FCA FRSA who said, “It gives me great pleasure to support the celebration of the contribution and impact British Asians are having across the North of England. Not only is the British Asian community a force for good, but it also plays an integral role in Britain’s economic prosperity; generating around 10% of the country’s GDP despite making up only 4% of the population, according to research published by the CBI. The Northern Asian Powerlist 2023 list has profiled the achievements of the top Asian businesses, professionals, influencers, and politicians. This list not only highlights the achievements of a diverse UK, and the North in particular, but also acts as an inspiration for generations to come.”

Having only just launched the NAP Ethnic Minority Business Barometer at the House of Commons last week, Sharon is pivotal in representing both the Asian community and now ethnic minorities too, as she explains, “We are now working with York University who will facilitate research on our behalf to support both the Asian communities but also ethnic minority groups. This includes a much wider field including white minorities such as Gypsy, Roma and Irish Traveller groups. Basically groups within a community which have different national or cultural traditions from the main population. The more we can understand the economic environment that these groups are working in, the more we can support them too. I want our work to be fully inclusive, so that we represent all minorities in the North of England, the NAP Ethnic Minority Business Barometer will provide research from SMEs across the whole of the North of England. Their goal is to review the impact on these businesses from Brexit, covid and more, check for trends and measure movement. The longer-term goal being policy driven data, which can be reviewed by a judging panel.”