ABC Awards Winner 2024

Abu Ali, co-founder of WilliamsAli Corporate Finance, has made a significant impact on the North East business community since establishing the Newcastle-based corporate finance boutique in January 2019 alongside his business partner, Phil Williams. Specialising in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and funding advice, WilliamsAli has become a trusted partner for business owners and investors, offering expert guidance on company sales, management buyouts, and fundraising.

Ashok has dedicated over 40 years to serving the NHS as a pharmacist and business owner, leading 15 pharmacies under the Ashchem Chemists banner. Known for his inspirational leadership, humility, and unwavering commitment to his community, Ashok's work has had a lasting impact on healthcare across the North East of England. His lifetime of service continues to inspire others in the healthcare industry.

The Durham Miners' Association (DMA) is a symbol of solidarity and community, championing working-class values. Through events like the Durham Miners’ Gala and services for retired miners, the DMA fosters inclusion and continues to uphold its proud legacy.

John McDonald is a seasoned Disability Consultant with over 20 years of experience in the healthcare sector. Following his diagnosis of bowel cancer and hydrocephalus in 2016, John underwent treatments that resulted in challenges related to fatigue and balance. Despite these, he has developed coping strategies that allow him to lead a fulfilling life both personally and professionally.

Neeraj Sharma is a trailblazer in the charity world and a fierce advocate for neurodiversity. Born and raised in the North East of England to parents who ran a corner shop, Neeraj’s deep sense of community and entrepreneurial spirit were instilled early. His journey into leadership started young, with a knack for taking on responsibility and a hunger for making real change.

Bhavesh Vasa is an inspiring legal professional whose journey from Mumbai, India, to the UK reflects extraordinary resilience and an unwavering passion for justice. Beginning his legal career as a criminal lawyer in Mumbai, Bhavesh pursued his ambition for greater impact by completing a Master’s in International Commercial Law at Northumbria University in 2004. This pivotal moment transformed his trajectory, igniting his commitment to delivering high-quality legal services in the UK.

Sneha Rachel Sam is the Co-Founder and COO of METS Technologies, UK, where she is revolutionizing education through technology in Maths, Engineering, Technology, and Science. An inspiring entrepreneur, Sneha previously founded Citi Cabs Transport Service Ltd, demonstrating her resilience and innovative spirit despite facing challenges. Her leadership empowers others, making her a role model in traditionally male-dominated industries.

The Dialogue Society is a registered charity dedicated to fostering dialogue and understanding between diverse communities. Established in 2020, the North East Branch has organized over 50 large-scale community events, engaging more than 5,000 individuals. Their initiatives, including Community Christmas Events, Iftar and Diversity Dinners, and Cultural Awareness Days, promote interfaith understanding and celebrate diversity. Driven entirely by a team of over 150 volunteers, the branch collaborates with around 200 local and national partners, emphasizing community engagement and cultural enrichment.

Wenyan Sharp is the U.K. Marketing Director at SolaX Power, where she leads innovative marketing strategies for sustainable energy solutions. She also serves as an Enterprise Advisor for the North East Combined Authority and Director at Galaxy Industrial Supplies Ltd, showcasing her expertise across multiple industries.

Akmal Ahmed is a Leading Aircraft Engineering Technician (LAET) in the UK Navy, specialising in the maintenance and operational readiness of the advanced F35 Lightning II aircraft. As a trailblazer for the South Asian community, he excels in a highly technical role, ensuring mission success and mentoring junior technicians.

Cllr Stephen Lewis Elms is a trailblazer in community leadership and inclusion, making history as the first person of Windrush descent, the first Jamaican, and the first Black individual to be elected in Sunderland. His groundbreaking election in 2024 marked a significant milestone for the city, reflecting his dedication to representing diverse communities and championing inclusivity.

Fiona Surrey is the founder of FSM Ltd., a social enterprise dedicated to leveraging technology for social impact within communities. After being made redundant during the COVID-19 pandemic following 15 years in retail management and technology training, Fiona transformed her passion for digital marketing and brand advocacy into a platform for social good. FSM Ltd. helps businesses create social impact measurement tools that align with ESG standards while fostering trust, loyalty, and brand awareness through meaningful campaigns.

Kam Chera is unique in the world of North East business, in so far as he has been
successful across a whole range of industries.
From catering and hospitality to the creative arts, ensuring that Asian culture has a
platform across the region, Kam has excelled across a number of different platforms,
bringing his talent, passion and business acumen to bear in every discipline.

UMI

Sajda Nawaz-Bhatti is the Head of Policy & Performance at Newcastle City Council, recognised for her exemplary leadership and commitment to advancing public service. With over 5 years in her role, she has significantly improved service delivery and community engagement through strategic policy development.

The University of Sunderland is a pioneering institution dedicated to promoting Equality, Diversity, Inclusion, and Social Responsibility (EDISR). The University has recently established an Institute for Economic and Social Inclusion. Through its core strategy, the University embeds inclusivity into every aspect of the student and staff experience, fostering a supportive and dynamic environment for all.

Founded in 2017 by two mums of children with life-limiting conditions, The Special Lioness is a charitable organisation that provides support and solidarity to families facing similar challenges. Offering a welcoming community for parents and carers, they focus on creating lasting memories and joyful experiences for families navigating difficult circumstances.

Zoë is a passionate advocate for diversity, equality, and inclusion, with a career spanning policing, arts, sports, and education. Her leadership roles, from being the first female chair of the Police Ethnic Minority Association to her current position as Head of EDI at Newcastle University, demonstrate her dedication to creating equitable spaces and amplifying underrepresented voices across the North East.

ABC

Dr Sreejith Raveendran is an Assistant Professor/ Senior Lecturer in Biotechnology at the School of
Health and Life Sciences, Teesside University, UK. Dr Sree leverages advanced bio-nanotechnological
platforms to create novel nanotherapeutics targeting cancers, explicitly focusing on endocrine-related
cancers and glioblastoma (brain tumours).

Hasan is the Group Director of HQ Group, leading the company’s diverse brands towards growth and innovation in the food and beverage and digital marketing sectors. Under his strategic guidance, brands like Burger Drop and Bubbl Tea Bar thrive, with plans for new launches like This Is Doner.

The Newcastle United Foundation is dedicated to promoting inclusivity and community engagement through sport and education in the North East of England. As the charitable arm of Newcastle United Football Club, the Foundation creates opportunities for positive change, focusing on education, health, and community involvement.

Rizwan is a dedicated professional with a strong focus on inclusivity and community empowerment. With extensive experience in tech recruitment across the North East and Yorkshire, Rizwan has launched numerous initiatives aimed at increasing opportunities for underrepresented communities. His work has provided students and graduates from schools, colleges, and universities with access to meaningful employment in the tech sector through tailored workshops, career fairs, and mentoring programs. This commitment to fostering a more diverse and inclusive workforce has helped many young professionals successfully enter the tech industry.

Show Racism the Red Card (SRtRC) is the UK’s leading anti-racism educational charity, dedicated to combating racism and promoting inclusivity through impactful educational initiatives. Founded in 1996 by Shaka Hislop, SRtRC engages over 50,000 individuals annually, driving positive change through football.

Sweeney Miller Law, led by Managing Partner Surbhi Vedhara, is a pioneering force in the North East legal sector. Since its founding in Sunderland, the firm has achieved remarkable growth and established a strong reputation for client-focused service and operational excellence. Under Surbhi’s leadership, Sweeney Miller Law has expanded significantly, employing over 80 staff and excelling in various practice areas, including dispute resolution and property law.

Uma Malhotra is the dynamic Managing Director of Cover Beauty, a thriving enterprise with six successful beauty businesses. Her inspiring journey from Wolverhampton to leading a multicultural team of over 35 employees in the North East of England showcases her resilience, vision, and commitment to women's empowerment and inclusivity.