OUTSTANDING north west companies and individuals are among those shortlisted for the 2007 Lloyds TSB's Northern Jewel Awards, to be presented at the Palace Hotel, Manchester, on Saturday.

Lloyds TSB sponsor three `Jewel Awards' for Asian achievement in UK business and to celebrate the impact of British Asians in public and private sectors.

Among the nominees are: Moneeb Awan of the award winning software company eSAY, based in Salford University business park (for entrepreneur excellence); chairman of Stockport NHS Trust Robina Shah (healthcare and education excellence); and Anjum Ahmed of Nik Nak Clothing, Mosley Street, Manchester (business and commerce excellence).

Truett Tate, group executive director, wholesale and international banking, at Lloyds TSB, said: "The success of Britain's Asian community is a shining example to us all."

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