Fusion Awards 2015 will be the biggest ever!

The 2015 event is due to take place on Saturday, May 30 in front of more than 400 guests in Blackburn. The event is the biggest and most high profile of its kind in the north of England and this year is going to be no exception.

The awards are open to all communities and aim to recognise those working in a voluntary capacity to those reaching new heights in their chosen career.

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In 2014, among others, Padmini Sankar, a doctor of foetal medicine from Rochdale, was presented with the Public Service Award.

Manchester sisters Christine and Jenny Chau were presented with the Entrepreneur of the Year Award and Nagindas Gandhi, a community worker from Preston, was honoured with a Community Achievement Award.

2014 Fusion finalists hailed from 13 different towns and cities. Since 2007 the awards have highlighted the contributions of a whole host of individuals and groups that have made great strides in helping to improve community cohesion.

They have included Bronze medallist Haroon Khan, Polish community worker Magdalena Stryjewska, Sylvia Lancaster of the Sophie Lancaster Foundation, Labonya Siddiqui and Manchester’s Oscar Brogden.

The closing date for all entries is March 31 2015.

Host Sam Ali Khan in 2013

Community Cohesion Award
Will be awarded to an individual or group who has helped to break down cultural and religious barriers between communities through pioneering volunteer or paid-for work. 
This award recognises the achievements of people or groups who have made a significant impact on multicultural, anti-racism or community cohesion issues. 

Man of the Year
The Man of the Year  award is presented annually to performers who have made a lasting and impressive contribution to their community or excelled in their chosen career or battled through against the odds.

Woman of the Year
The Woman of the Year awards is presented annually to individuals who have made a lasting and impressive contribution to their community or excelled in their chosen career or battled through against the odds.

Entrepreneur of the Year
This award is presented to the most successful and innovative entrepreneurial business leaders around the North West. 
As well as celebrating entrepreneurial spirit it aims to reward smaller and medium sized businesses who in the past year have had to make an extra effort to ensure their business reaches new heights.

Achievement in Sport Award
This award is presented to outstanding teams or individuals in the North West. In particular it recognises a team or individual who has helped inspire others to follow their dreams. 
In recent years, finalists for the award have included teenagers or  youngsters with potential sporting talent who are taking their first steps to stardom.

Youth Leadership Award
This award recognises the achievements of a person or group who has portrayed a positive image of young people in our community.
It is specifically aimed at rewarding initiatives that have involved young people and is presented to a young person or group who has helped to dispel myths about their community or has volunteered for the betterment of others.

Community Group of the Year
This award aims to reward community and voluntary groups that make a valued contribution to the towns and cities in which they reside. 
In particular, it celebrates groups that have carried out innovative or groundbreaking projects or helped to create harmony between different communities.

Public Service Award
This award aims to recognise those working in the public sector who have excelled in their chosen career or helped to implement innovative ideas and projects. It is presented to an individual who has excelled in a public service role or who has led a project that has had a positive impact on community relations, social inclusion and health and welfare.

Education  Achievement Award
This particular award is presented to a young person who has achieved outstanding grades at school or college level or has battled against the odds to complete their studies around the North West. We are keen to hear from schools and colleges in the area and parents who feel their child has excelled in their studies despite personal challenges.

Individual awards will also be presented on the evening for the following categories: Neighbour Champion 2015 and Community Achievement Award.

How to nominate

Individuals and organisations can nominate themselves or someone else by simply e-mailing directly on nominate@thefusionawards.co.uk or news@asianimage.co.uk.
    Or simply fill in the form below. The nominee must be a resident or working in the North West of England. Closing date for all applications is March 31, 2015. The awards ceremony will take place on May 30.