Record Nominations Highlight Spirit of Region

Receiving a record number of nominations in 13 years, high flying entrepreneurial support network ABDN – The Network of Influence, has announced it's shortlist of outstanding businesses across Yorkshire and is preparing to award the winners at the regions' biggest business celebration – the 13th Annual Dinner & Business Awards: Aiming High, on March 31st.

A number of Yorkshire based businesses have been selected in the shortlist including leading publice service provider A4e Ltd – nominated for Business of the year, legal firm Morgan Dias Immigrations Consultant's Bettina Yarde; electrical retailer Sonic Megastore Ltd - nominated for Business of the year; Indian vegetarian restaurant Prashad – for SME Business of the Year; Citu, Sustainable developers of Britain's Greenest HighTech Homes and Offices Greenhouse – nominated for Innovation in Business.

Each of the shortlisted businesses are now required to submit a presentation in front of the judging panel, who will asses each nomination further as part of the selection process.

The full shortlist of nominees is as follows:

Business of the Year: A4e Ltd; ATB Morley Ltd; Sonic Megastore Ltd
SME Business of the Year: Bilal Poultry Products Ltd; Cleveland Biotech Ltd; Prashad
Innovation in Business: Brandon Medical Company Ltd; Citu; Media Displays
Young Entrepreneur of the Year: Blue Logic Computer Systems Ltd - Dave Helm; EnKahnz – Naveed Khan; Websquare IT Solutions Ltd – Tanveer Qamar
Female Entrepreneur of the Year: Morgan Dias Immigration Consultants Ltd – Bettina Yarde; Motif UK Ltd - Aishvarrya Chakkraburthi; Reach Further Ltd – Liz Cable; Silky Soles - Sue Taylor; Image Analysis Ltd – Olga Kubassova
Most Promising New Business: Statement Exhibitions Ltd; Thermal Engineering Contract Ltd: Yorkshire Gas & Power
Service to the Community: Archway – Richard Norton; DOSTI Asian Women's Support Service - Ravinder Samra; Hamara HLC - Hanif Malik

There is a ninth award, the ‘Aiming High’ Lifetime Achievement Award, which will be selected in-house by the ABDN team.
This year's awards dinner, to be held at Saviles Hall, Royal Armouries, Leeds, centres around the business theme 'Aiming High' and is welcoming Ed Miliband as the keynote speaker, who will highlight the achievements and growth of the Yorkshire region.

Arshad Chaudhry, Chairman of ABDN said: “I am overwhelmed by the number and strength of the nominations we received this year, it has made it incredibly hard to narrow down as there is so much talent and success out there.

“It's incredible to see how far the region has progressed over the last 13 years and the sheer number of successful businesses Yorkshire is now renowned for.”

Ed Miliband added: “I am delighted to have the opportunity to support the ABDN Network of Influence in recognising the achievements of local businesses at this event. It's great to see that there is a high level of entrepreneurial businesses in the Yorkshire region that are actively committed to driving the economy forward. The contribution of these organisations cannot be underestimated. It is therefore great to see that these companies have the support of a powerful network such as ABDN to help drive them further in their bid to aim even higher.

The event will no doubt celebrate the success generated from this dynamic regional economy as we approach the end of another challenging year. I am privileged to have been invited to speak at this inspirational business event.”

For more details on the ABDN 13th Annual Dinner & Business Awards and to book tickets please visit: www.abdn.org.uk/dinner2011.
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Notes to Editor:
Images attached: Arshad Chaudry, Chairman of ABDN, Amit Champaneri at shortlisted development Greenhouse.
    - For images or quotes from the shortlisted businesses please contact Chocolate PR
For more information on ABDN's Annual Dinner & Business Awards please visit www.abdn.org.uk/dinner2011
Originally known as the Asian Business Development network, the organisastion has re-branded as ABDN - The Network of Influence. For more information on ABDN, please visit www.abdn.org.uk
Featured shortlisted companies:
    - A4e Ltd – is a leading public service provider in the UK, employing more than 3,400 people in     nine countries. In all it does, A4e’s core mission is to improve people’s lives. Working in     partnership with Government, public sector organisations, private sector companies and     voluntary and community groups, A4e delivers a range of frontline public services, including     employment and welfare, training and education, and debt and legal advice.
Morgan Dias Immigrations Consultants - Focused upon offering the full range of advice and representation services on immigration, nationality and asylum law, this dynamic and ambitious young company plans current year consolidation as the foundation to expedite major sustainable growth.
- Sonic Megastore Ltd - is a multichannel electrical retailing business, engaged in the supply of household electrical appliances and consumer electronics. It operates from a 30,000 sq ft site in Bradford which is now the UK’s largest independent electrical store.
- Prashad - a family run Indian Vegetarian restaurant, passionate about delivering home-style cuisine matched by knowledgeable, warm and intuitive service. Operating from a single site in Bradford the company has built a brand name that is synonymous with quality and amazing tasting food.
- Citu – sustainable developers of Greenhouse, the redevelopment of Shaftsbury House, a 1930's hostel in Holbeck. A major part of the innovation and design of Greenhouse was centred on sustainability; a primary objective was to reduce energy consumption whilst also increasing the standard of living.

For further information please contact:
Chocolate PR
Jamila Juma-Ware
jam@chocolatepr.co.uk
0113 236 1835