BME Business Awards 2024: Celebrating Community Excellence and Charitable Leadership

The 2024 BME (Black and Minority Ethnic) Business Awards, hosted at the University of Suffolk, shone a spotlight on the exceptional contributions of local businesses, entrepreneurs, and charitable organizations. The evening was a celebration of diversity, community impact, and the tireless work of individuals and organizations that often go unrecognized. Among the night's notable winners was the Caribbean and African Community Health Support Forum, which was honored with the prestigious Charity of the Year award.

The forum, which has been making significant strides in supporting the Caribbean and African communities for over 15 years, was overwhelmed with joy upon receiving the accolade. Clem Turner, the chair of the forum, expressed immense pride, stating, "We are absolutely over the moon. This has been 15 years of hard work, so hard work does pay off." The recognition underscores the forum's commitment to improving the health and well-being of marginalized communities, providing essential services and support where it's needed most.

A Night of Celebration for Diversity and Excellence

The awards ceremony, held at the stunning waterfront building in Ipswich, was a gathering of diverse leaders, entrepreneurs, and advocates. The event, organized by BSC Multicultural Services and the University of Suffolk, has become a key highlight in recognizing and uplifting businesses and organizations that make a tangible difference in their communities.

Co-host Roland Gilbertson, a previous winner in 2022, emphasized the significance of the awards, noting, "It's about celebrating excellence, diversity, and community. You hear inspiring stories and network with entrepreneurs." The evening brought together individuals from various sectors who shared stories of perseverance and success, many of whom had overcome significant challenges to reach the heights of their industries.

Recognition for Health Advocacy

Among the other notable awards, Sickle Cell Suffolk took home the Health Champion of the Year award. The organization, founded in 2014, focuses on raising awareness of sickle cell disorder (SCD) in Black and ethnic minority communities in Suffolk. Elaine Tappin, the group's coordinator and someone who personally lives with SCD, spoke about the ongoing need for awareness and support, particularly the need for ethnically matched blood donations, a critical form of treatment for those suffering from sickle cell.

"We also raise awareness of the need for blood donation," Tappin said. "Anyone can need blood at any time, but for sickle cell, it can be a regular form of treatment for us, so it's always better to have ethnically matched blood." The work of Sickle Cell Suffolk exemplifies the vital role that healthcare advocacy plays in addressing health disparities within underserved communities.

The Full List of 2024 BME Business Award Winners

The night's celebrations also highlighted other outstanding achievements in the local business community, with awards presented in several categories. The full list of 2024 BME Business Award winners includes:

• Business of the Year: ADCO Construction
• Business of the Year (Catering): Chequers Indian Lounge
• Business Person of the Year: Jetnor Brati (Lucky's Café)
• Start-Up or New Business of the Year: GoCo Ltd
• Community Business of the Year: Ipswich Karate Academy
• Female Entrepreneur of the Year: Lydia Yuk Kiu Tse MBE
• Health Champion of the Year: Sickle Cell Suffolk
• Judges Special Award: Gambian Welfare Association of Suffolk & Norfolk

Each of these award winners demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and a commitment to making a positive impact on their communities, further highlighting the importance of the BME Business Awards in recognizing unsung heroes.

A Testament to Community, Resilience, and Excellence

The Caribbean and African Community Health Support Forum's Charity of the Year award is not just a recognition of their past work but also a promise for the future. Their approach-quiet but resolute-serves as a beacon of hope for many in the community who rely on their support. The charity's commitment to filling critical gaps in health services for ethnic minorities showcases how community-based organizations can thrive when they focus on the needs of the people they serve.

As the BME Business Awards continue to shine a light on the dedication and hard work of individuals and organizations, it is clear that their impact reaches far beyond the evening's festivities. These awards represent a commitment to celebrating diversity, excellence, and the unyielding spirit of community that drives change.