BUSINESS leaders are set to celebrate the success of Asian entrepreneurs at a top awards night.

The seventh annual Lloyds TSB Northern Jewel Awards will be staged on April 19 when prizes will be presented to the winners of six coveted awards covering categories including public service, retail and food franchising, healthcare and education and lifetime achievement.

The event will take place on Saturday at Manchester’s Palace Hotel.

Dave Allanson, director and head of large corporate business for Lloyds TSB in the north-west, said Asian businesses were major contributors to the UK economy.

“Asian businesses generate 8% of the country’s economic output, despite the Asian population accounting for only 4% of the UK population,” he said.

“Government statistics also show that Asian businesses grow three times as quickly as other businesses. It is a vibrant market with firms run by entrepreneurial people.

“Many of these businesses also have a family feel to them and it is regarded as a team activity. That trait applies to Asian businesses regardless of their size.”

He added: “Lloyds TSB continues to do everything possible to nurture and support Asian businesses, large and small.”