Asons’ CEO, Dr Imran Akram has been nominated for Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year Award at The UK Private Business Awards (PBA).

Only four people are shortlisted from hundreds of names that were considered, nationwide.

This award aims to shine the spotlight on the latest generation of entrepreneurs who the PBA believe have shown ‘creativity and vision in their business’ but who are also the head of a small or medium enterprise that is achieving growth.

The awards ceremony takes place on September 30 at The Brewery venue in London.

Sponsors for the event include PwC, HSBC Private Bank and the entrepreneurs’ networking institution, The Supper Club.

Imran said: “It’s not about being good, or average, but aspiring to be great. I see each day as an opportunity to achieve more.”

Imran is also nominated for Most People-focused CEO (Private Sector) at the HR Excellence Awards which take place on June 30 in London.

Brian Henderson, PwC partner, said:"The shortlist epitomises the very best of British business. From feisty grassroots challengers to mid-tier innovators these businesses have forged opportunities from themselves and those they employ. They are the engine of the UK economy."

Charlie Hoffman, Managing Director, HSBC Private Bank (UK) Ltd said, "Once again there is strong competition across all categories with candidates demonstrating immense talent and an outstanding work ethic. Alongside their relentless focus on the customer, so many participants acknowledge that human capital, namely the employees, is often what makes the business a success.

"Of particular note this year is the quality of entrants who are family-owned businesses. Often multi-generational, these are the British 'Mittelstand' who are very much the country's past and ever evolving future."

"At HSBC Private Bank we have long recognised the contribution of private businesses to the economy, and are delighted that through the Private Business Awards we now have an established national platform for showcasing the very best of their achievements and entrepreneurship."

Jane Gomez, managing director of The Supper Club, said: "From manufacturers to digital disruptors, the businesses on this shortlist demonstrate the ambition and strength of UK enterprise today. We are thrilled to support this celebration of not only business success, but particularly, of leadership.

"The founders and CEOs of these firms have led these firms through challenging times to achieve growth. They are the true wealth creators in Britain today."