Yorkshire is gearing up for one of the most glittering nights in its business calendar as the Business Power Awards 2025 prepare to honour some of Yorkshire’s most inspiring entrepreneurs, change-makers, and community leaders.
The black-tie gala, taking place on Sunday 12th October at Cedar Court Hotel, marks a major milestone for the Asian Express newspaper, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary as one of the UK’s leading ethnic media platforms.
Founded by Andleeb and Nadim Hanif, Asian Express newspaper has spent a quarter of a century telling the stories of resilience and ambition that have powered communities across the North.
Now, those stories are stepping off the page and onto the stage.
From family-run enterprises to pioneering start-ups and established brands, the awards spotlight those redefining business success through innovation, leadership, and social impact.
Categories include CEO of the Year, Special Recognition Award, and Lifetime Achievement, with finalists drawn from across Yorkshire’s dynamic business landscape.
“This isn’t just about trophies,” said Andleeb Hanif, Managing Editor of Asian Express, and Chair of Business Power Awards.
“It’s about celebrating the people who built this region – those who started with nothing but a dream, and turned it into something that uplifts others. Business in Yorkshire have heart, grit and soul, and that deserves a platform.”
The evening will bring together more than 300 guests, including civic dignitaries, business leaders, and philanthropists. Alongside dinner and live entertainment, the ceremony will feature tributes to local trailblazers whose work continues to inspire the next generation.
Organisers say this year’s event will also emphasise the growing importance of inclusive growth and women’s leadership, with the Business Power Awards Empowering Women platform, launched earlier this year, playing a central role.
“The energy around this year’s awards is phenomenal,” add Nadim Hanif, CEO Asian Express.
“It’s a reminder that Bradford and Yorkshire are not just surviving – they’re leading, innovating, and shaping the future of British enterprise.”
FINALISTS: Business Power Awards 2025
Entrepreneur of the Year
- Moin Ashraf – MD, The MACC Academy
- Kamran Rashid – CEO, Impact Hub Yorkshire
- Raheem Mohammed – Director, Hamara Healthy Living Centre
Start-Up of the Year
- Heaton Woods Commercial Finance Ltd
- Queen Libas
- Pink Ladies
- Balance:ed
SME of the Year
- The MACC Academy
- Primrose Consultancy
- Inarah Frozen Foods/Four Seasons
- Jahan Foods
Restaurant of the Year
- Lala’s
- Jinnah
- International
- Aagrah
Fashion Outlet of the Year
- Janan
- Shiffonz
- Design Quarter
- Bombay Stores
Family Business of the Year
- Abu Bakr Supermarkets
- United Foods Cash & Carry
- Chowdrey’s
- CC Continental
Brand of the Year
- Scent Salim
- Shimlas
- My Peshawar
- Bison Steakhouse
Beauty & Aesthetics Business of the Year
- Prity Salon
- Naheem Yacub Barbers
- Libertes
Retail Business of the Year
- Abu Bakr Supermarkets
- Worldwide Foods & Al Halal Supermarkets
- United Foods Cash & Carry
- Jahan Foods
Social Enterprise of the Year
- Hamara Healthy Living Centre
- Link AP Academy
- Impact Hub Yorkshire
- MEMEC (Middle Eastern & Mediterranean Community)
Accountancy Firm of the Year
- HCA Accountants
- Amanah Accountants
- The Accounting Company Leeds
Law Firm of the Year
- Tyler Hoffman Solicitors
- Kingsman Solicitors
- Kamrans Solicitors
- Khan Solicitors
Professional of the Year
- Dr Saira Ali FLI FRSA – President Elect of the Landscape Institute
- Jabran Hussain – Managing Partner at Kingsman Solicitors
- Sarah Khan-Bashir MBE – Solicitor and Founder of SKB Law
- Rizwana Mahmood-Ahmed MBE – Headteacher/Educational Consultant
Prestigious honours to be announced on the night:
- Special Recognition Award
- CEO of the Year
- Power Couple of the Year
- Lifetime Achievement Award
