Business leaders and entrepreneurs from across the country were rewarded at the first English Asian Business Awards.

The event, held at the Midland Hotel in Manchester recognised the outstanding business achievements of England’s Asian communities.

Asian Image presented the Entrepreneur of the Year award.

Irfan Younis, Director for the event organisers, Oceanic Consulting, said “This is the first year we have held these awards and we have certainly set a high standard for ourselves to meet in the years to come.

"Tonight’s winners are fantastic examples of the innovation and dedication of England’s Asian business communities and I’m proud to have been able to highlight their achievements.”

Dalip Puri, Head of Multicultural Banking for title sponsor HSBC said, said: “HSBC is proud to be supporting these awards and it was fantastic to see the achievements of Scotland’s thriving Asian business community being recognised at tonight’s event.

“At HSBC we’re continuing to see innovative English businesses making strides and we’re well placed to help them realise their potential. I was impressed by the high calibre of nominees and the winners should all be very proud of their personal achievements and the spirit of entrepreneurship they are fuelling in England".

As well as recognising the achievements of Asian men and women at the forefront of their industries the event raised money for The British Asian Trust. Set up by the Prince of Wales, the charity serves as a ‘social fund’ to support high impact charities within the areas of education, enterprise and health. Since it was formed in 2009 the charity has helped over 350,000 people in Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and the UK Young Achiever of the Year: Riz Navsarka, MesmerEyez.

Riz started this cosmetics company at the age of 20. He has brought coloured contact lenses to the mass market.

Franchisee of the Year: APPT Corporation Ltd t/a McDonalds owned by Atul Pathak.

APPT Corporation is the second biggest McDonalds franchise in the country, with 20 restaurants in North and North West London. They employ over 1500 staff.

Small Business of the Year: Lubna Rafiq Academy.

Lubna established the academy in 2005 with the goal of sharing her wealth of hair and beauty knowledge to other budding makeup and hair artists.

The Community Award: Mosaic Network.

Set up by The Prince of Wales in 2007, The Mosaic Network aims to create opportunities for young people of all backgrounds growing up in our most deprived communities, championed by Muslims and harnessing the power of positive thinking.

Businesswoman of the Year: Shashi Gossain from Pharmaclinix After 32 years of experience with the Pharmaceutical, skin care and beauty business Shashi started Pharmaclinix. The company is now a world leader in Advanced Cosmeceuticals developed for Asian & Darker skin tones. Her products are now available in 25 countries, in over 10,000 outlets.

Businessman of the Year: Hussein & Faisal Lalani from 99p Stores.

Having taken over from their father, these brothers are taking this already successful company to the next level. Catering to almost every need of the public and doing so at an affordable price they have stores all over the country.

Business of the Year: Clifton Packaging.

A company which has gone from strength to strength over the past 30 years. They are now the country’s leading manufacturer of packaging materials and a recent multimillion pound investment will see them continue to grow.

Power Business of the Year: Lycamobile In an era where friends and family find themselves at ever increasing distances from each other, Lycamobile keeps people connected. With over 8 million subscribers in 14 countries, they provide and invaluable service to people all over the world.

Entrepreneur of the Year: Mohsin & Zubair Issa of Euro Garages Starting off with three outlets in 2001 they have grown to an empire of over 70 freehold-owned sites across the North of England and the Midlands. They are one of the UK’s largest independent operators of petrol forecourts and convenience stores.

Lifetime Achievement: Tony Deep Wouhra He arrived in Britain when he was 18, with £3 in his pocket. He begun his career in business as a door to door salesman before going on to establish the highly successful Asian food company East End, which has now grown to be one of the largest Asian food companies in the UK employing more than 300 people.

PICTURE GALLERY TO FOLLOW