The Editor of a leading British Asian newspaper has hit the headlines in her own right – having won a Lloyds TSB Asian Jewel Award.

Gurjeet Bains, Editor of The Sikh Times, Britain’s first English/Punjabi weekly, picked up the coveted Media, Sports & Arts category award at the glittering ceremony in Birmingham.

She was among twenty four finalists nominated in the ceremonial central final that recognise those whose exceptional work makes an enormous and essential contribution to the wealth, health and intellectual wellbeing of Britain.

The awards, held at the Hilton Metropole on Saturday 6th May, focus on the life-enriching contributions being made by British Asians to the social culture and fabric of this country.

Life Time Achievement award was given to Abdal Sattar Pmar of Paramount Holdings based in Leicester. Gurjeet is in a privileged position to have an in-depth assessment of the progress Asian Businesses are making and the problems that are hindering their progress.

Last year she was elected as the first female Chairman of the Institute of Asian Business and has already flagged concerns and challenges faced by Asian businesses in the region. As a board member of the Birmingham Chamber she has also set about in identifying and resolving some of the issues facing ethnic businesses.

Gurjeet is passionate about the success the Asian community has enjoyed and ensures the paper reports these successes to in order to empower the future generation of entrepreneurs, especially women.

Gurjeet is also a strategic adviser on the board member of Birmingham Divercity and is also one of the Ambassadors for the 2012 Olympic Bid.

The Central Lloyds TSB Asian Jewel Awards, now in their fourth year, form part of a nationwide search for Asian high flyers in the UK today. Categories recognised are Healthcare and Education, Public Service, Business and Commerce, Media, Arts and Sports, Professional Excellence, as well as an Entrepreneur award. There will also be a special Lifetime Achievement Award given at the ceremony.

Mike Fairey, Deputy Group Chief Executive, Lloyds TSB said: “Lloyds TSB is extremely proud to be sponsoring the Central Asian Jewel Awards once again.
“The contribution of Asians to British life is astounding and Lloyds TSB has taken huge strides to provide where it can for this community as an employer and as a bank.
“Our India banking service and Islamic Financial Services are just two examples of new products and services we have launched this year.
“Through our support for these awards we want to help give British Asians the recognition they deserve, whether it’s in the arts, business or public service and we hope that the nominees and winners will inspire many more to follow in their footsteps.”