The University of Suffolk Business School and BSC Multicultural Services (BSCMS) created the county’s first BME Business Awards celebrating the achievements and contributions of businesses owned and operated by members of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Groups in 2016. Since then, the awards have continued to grow, celebrating the contributions and successes of businesses of all types and from all corners of Suffolk.
Unfortunately the COVID-19 saw the 2020 ceremony cancelled and the difficult decision has now been taken to cancel the 2021 ceremony in recognition that businesses will rightly wish to focus their attention on recovery and growth.
Boshor Ali, Chair of BSCMS acknowledges “The decision not to hold the awards this year was incredibly difficult and it will clearly come as a disappointment to many of our partners, sponsors and stakeholders.”
Dr Will Thomas, Associate Professor, Suffolk Business School at University of Suffolk added “The growth of the awards has been amazing and has surpassed all our initial expectations. We know the 2022 ceremony will be a huge celebration of resilience, community and of the contributions of Suffolk’s wonderful businesses.”
Professor Gurpreet Jagpal, Pro-Vice Chancellor Business and Entrepreneurship at the University of Suffolk stressed the importance of the partnership between the University of Suffolk and BSC Multicultural Services “Our University was founded on principles of partnership and collaboration with local communities and businesses. The work on the BME Business Awards is an example of how this approach benefits our students, local business and local communities. We’re all looking forward to celebrating the fifth year of the awards in 2022.”