NOMINATIONS are being sought for local heroes from across the Tees Valley’s Black and Minority Ethnic communities.
This year’s BME Achievement Awards will once again recognise the wealth of achievement and talent across the area.
And it’s up to local people to put forward the names of individuals and groups who have made the biggest contribution over the last year.
This year’s Tees Valley BME Achievement Awards – supported by Tees Valley Unlimited and Middlesbrough College – culminate in a ceremony and dinner at the Middlesbrough (Thistle) Hotel on Friday, September 25.
The evening will be chaired by Nazir Afzal and will feature a delightful Indian dinner as well as key speeches by leading local figures, with special guests will be confirmed in the coming weeks.
The highlight of the evening will be the presentation of the awards themselves, with categories ranging from Youth, Community and Business to Housing, Public Sector and Education.
Presentations will also be made to a Diversity Champion and Woman of the Year, while a Lifetime Achievement Award will recognise sustained commitment to and support for BME communities.
Zoe Lewis, Principal and Chief Executive of sponsors Middlesbrough College, said: “For me personally this is one of the highlights of the year.
“The BME awards celebrate equality and diversity and that is something Middlesbrough College is firmly committed to.
“This event gives us an opportunity to recognise some of the amazing people who devote time and energy to help make our communities better places for everyone.”
Linda Edworthy, Director of Strategy and Investment with Awards Partner Tees Valley Unlimited, said: “The BME Achievement Awards are an important annual opportunity to put the spotlight on some truly inspirational achievements.
“The BME community has a great track record of encouraging entrepreneurial spirit and recognising and celebrating business success, delivering jobs and driving economic growth across the Tees Valley.”
BME Network Partnership Manager Idrees Rashid said: “The awards are now in their seventh year, and continue to go from strength to strength.
“The event is a true celebration of the individual and collective achievements of the diverse communities that make up the vibrant Tees Valley.
“Year in, year out they contribute their skills, talent and commitment to making this area thrive and prosper, while inspiring and promoting community cohesion.
“Once again we will be recognising the remarkable contributions made by many individuals and organisations across a range of sectors – and we’re keen to hear from local people who they would like to see pick up the awards.
“It’s an important opportunity to pay tribute to the tireless work of an array of talented and committed individuals – some well-known, some unsung – whose efforts make a real difference.”
Nominations for this year’s Achievement Awards close on Friday, September 11.
For more information or to make a nomination, visit www.bmeawards.co.uk or email info@bmeawards.co.uk