The finalists have been announced for the 19th annual Scottish Asian & Business Awards, marking another significant milestone for one of Scotland’s established celebrations of Asian business excellence, entrepreneurship and individual achievement.
Organised by Oceanic Awards, the awards recognise the outstanding contributions made by Asian-owned businesses, entrepreneurs, professionals and individuals who continue to play a vital role in Scotland’s economy, communities and business landscape.
As the awards approach their landmark 20th anniversary in 2027, this year’s announcement carries particular significance. Nineteen years of recognising achievement represents a remarkable journey, celebrating the ambition, resilience, innovation and determination of the people and businesses helping to shape Scotland’s future.
The finalists represent an inspiring cross-section of industries, from independent businesses and emerging entrepreneurs to established companies and influential professionals. Each has demonstrated a commitment to excellence in their respective fields, reflecting the strength, diversity and continued growth of Scotland’s Asian business community.
Beyond celebrating commercial success, the Scottish Asian & Business Awards shine a spotlight on the individuals and organisations whose hard work creates employment, supports local communities, drives innovation and contributes to the wider Scottish economy. Their achievements demonstrate the important role that Asian businesses and professionals play in strengthening Scotland’s economic and social fabric.
Reaching the 19th year is a testament to the continued importance of recognising these contributions and providing a platform for businesses and individuals to gain the recognition they deserve. With the landmark 20th anniversary on the horizon, anticipation is already building for what promises to be an especially memorable year for the awards in 2027.
Commenting on the awards, Yasmin Mahmood, CEO of Oceanic Awards said:
“Announcing the finalists for the 19th annual Scottish Asian & Business Awards is a particularly proud moment for us. For almost two decades, these awards have celebrated the remarkable achievements of Asian businesses and individuals who contribute so much to Scotland’s economy and communities.
“Every year, we see the talent, ambition and determination that exist across the business community, and the finalists announced today deserve enormous recognition for their achievements. These awards are about more than business success; they are about celebrating people who create opportunities, inspire others, support their communities and help drive Scotland forward.
“As we look ahead to our 20th anniversary in 2027, we are incredibly proud of how far the awards have come and excited about the milestone still to come. This year’s finalists are a fantastic reflection of the strength and diversity of the community we are here to celebrate.”
The 19th annual Scottish Asian & Business Awards will bring together business leaders, entrepreneurs, professionals and guests to recognise the achievements of this year’s finalists and celebrate the continued success of Scotland’s Asian business community.
The finalists for the 19th Scottish Asian & Business Awards are:
Rising Star in Law
Ayisha Qazikhel (No Borders Law, Glasgow)
Sanaa Akhtar (CMS UK, Glasgow)
Balal Pervaiz (Digby Brown, Glasgow)
Khadija Sarwar (Clyde & Co, Glasgow)
Nadia Gehlen (Brodies LLP, Edinburgh)
Tanya Bagri (Jones Whyte LLP, Glasgow)
Puneet Kaur Puri (Inheritance Legal Solicitors, Glasgow)
Principle Solicitor of the Year
Fraz Ahmed (Meliora Legal, Glasgow)
Said Jamil Khan (Khan Law Chambers, Glasgow)
Nowsheen Farhan (Farhan & Co, Glasgow)
Gurpreet Singh Johal (SJK Solicitors, Glasgow)
Mohammed Sabir (MBS Solicitors, Edinburgh)
Anika Jethwa (Anika Jethwa and Company, Dundee)
Mohammed Desai (ClearFocus Legal, Glasgow)
Partner of the Year
Simran Panesar-Saggu (Turcan Connell, Glasgow)
Paman Singh (Weightmans, Glasgow)
Jwad Hanif (Miller Beckett & Jackson Solicitors, Glasgow)
Amrit Singh Pawar (Mathie Lennox & Co, Kilsyth)
Susith Dematagoda (Drummond Miller Solicitors, Glasgow)
Omair Ahmed (Austin Lafferty Solicitors, Glasgow)
Shehzad Ashaq (WBG Accountants, Glasgow)
Achievements in Accounting & Finance
Sana Akram (New Gorbals Housing Association, Glasgow)
Mohammad Rajaul Karim (Scouts Scotland, Bishopbriggs)
Waqas Sanawar (Audit Scotland, Glasgow)
Sujata (NHS Scotland, Glasgow)
Shiraz Haider (Barclays, Glasgow)
Azhur Zafar (KPMG UK, Glasgow)
Arshad Ali (APR – Actuarial Solutions, Glasgow)
Achievements in Civil Service / Third Sector
Nadia Aslam (Capital City Partnership, Edinburgh)
Shruti Jain (Public Health Scotland, Edinburgh)
Nindy Bhari (Scottish Development International, Glasgow)
Naeem Bhatti (Scottish Government, Glasgow)
Farkhanda Chaudhry (East Renfrewshire Council, Giffnock)
Ijaz Bashir (Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Cambuslang)
Gita Anand (Scottish Government, Edinburgh)
Medical Professional of the Year
Shafaque Shaikh (Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Aberdeen)
Zubir Ahmed (NHS Glasgow, Glasgow)
Jagdeep Singh (Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh)
Minha Rajput-Ray (Curaidh, Dundee)
Balasubramaniam Vijayan (NHS Grampian, Aberdeen)
Rohit Maheshwari (Golden Jubilee University National Hospital, Glasgow)
Atul Sabharwal (Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow)
Achievements in Education
Nuzhat Uthmani (Stirling University, Stirling)
Noreen Siddiqui (Glasgow University, Glasgow)
Rajiv Singh (Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow)
Venkataraman Thangadurai i (University of St Andrews, St. Andrews)
Sudipta Roy (University of Strathclyde, Glasgow)
Srinjoy Mitra (University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh)
Divya Jindal-Snape (University of Dundee, Dundee)
Achievements in STEM
Humza Din (Arch Henderson LLP, Glasgow)
Kashif Ashraf (Historic Environment Scotland, Edinburgh)
Manpreet Puri (Atkins Realis, Glasgow)
Yawar Shahzad (Axis Mason, Glasgow)
Sukhvinder Aulak (Dell, Glasgow)
Karamjeet (Mitie, Glasgow)
Khushboo Verma (National Manufacturing Institute Scotland, Renfrewshire)
Firdous Ul Nazir (Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow)
One to Watch
Maria Amir (Morgan Stanley, Hamilton)
Jia Ullah (Barclays Investment Bank, Glasgow)
Madinah Javed (Scottish Government, Edinburgh)
Kamalpreet Kaur Bedi (HSBC, Glasgow)
Abdul Hussain (LMR Partners, Glasgow)
Adam Latif (UBS, Edinburgh)
Adeel Raza (Barclays, Glasgow)
Commercial Achievement of the Year
Yunas Mohammad (Tata Consultancy Services, Glasgow)
Narinder Baryah (Manorview Group, Glasgow)
Shahid Ali (Ryden, Glasgow)
Freha Arshad (Accenture, Edinburgh)
Debjani Raffan (UBS Scotland, Edinburgh)
Obaid Khawaja (EY Financial Services, Edinburgh)
Imtiaz Ahmad (Great British Energy, Glasgow)
Business Executive of the Year
Sadia Din (Aviva, Glasgow)
Aysha Canning (LendInvest, Glasgow)
Haseeb Hassan (Aberdeen, Aberdeen)
Azim Ahmed (Tutman Fund Solutions Limited, Glasgow)
Kashif Rashid (Pure Data Centres Group, Dundee)
Simarneet Singh Bindra (JP Morgan, Glasgow)
Pranav Sharman (Allied Vehicles, Glasgow)
Best Professional in Business
Anjum Baig (Khush Dental, Bisshopbriggs)
Isma Yaqoob (Dalmally Pharmacy, Argyll)
Asim Mian (AM Plus Accountancy, Glasgow)
Ferhan Ahmed / Tariq Bashir (Fame Dentistry, Glasgow)
Rashpal Singh / Adeel Hussain (Maguire Solicitors, Glasgow)
Gurpreet Singh Johal (SJK Solicitors, Glasgow)
Hassan Ali (Complete Dental Care, Glasgow)
Professional Services Business of the Year
Mohsin Mian (KinWell Pharmacy, Nairn)
Sohaib Shafiq (Murray Opticians, Drumchapel)
Waseem Afzal (Uddingston Eyecare, Uddingston)
Abid Noor (Exact Eyecare, Glasgow)
Bushra Bashir (Cloud Dental, Renfrewshire)
Zain Younis, Syed Ali Kazam, and Mohamed Idreece Khan (Campbeltown Pharmacy, Campbeltown)
Pritpal Khaira (Barnton Dental Spa, Edinburgh)
Restaurant Business of the Year
Namak Mandi (Glasgow)
Cottage 10 (Glasgow)
Awaafi Indian Arabic Cuisine (Edinburgh)
Shish Edinburgh (Edinburgh)
Edinburgh Prime Steakhouse (Edinburgh)
Shinwari Restaurant (Edinburgh)
Kebabish (Edinburgh)
Food Business of the Year
Moss Coffeehouse (Glasgow)
Figo’s Peri Peri (Glasgow)
Yayas (Glasgow)
Anayas (Glasgow)
The Pakora Bar (Edinburgh)
TOAST’D Deli Bar (Glasgow)
Cha Cha (Edinburgh)
Convenience Store of the Year
Gibson’s Premier (Glasgow)
Ali’s Nisa (Glasgow)
Girish’s Costcutter (Glasgow)
Premier Dunbar (East Lothian)
Jaz Ali (Jaz’s Premier, Grangemouth)
Day-Today (Leith)
Asiyah / Jawad Javed (Spar A&J, Alloa)
Micro Business of the Year
Shamza Rahman (Arrested Metal Jewels, Glasgow)
Nina Flowers (Glasgow)
Bloom it Edinburgh (Edinburgh)
Punjabi Kitchen (Glasgow)
Sia Skin (Glasgow)
Maryam (madebymaryam/Maryams Market, Glasgow)
A & M Kitchen (Glasgow)
Small Business of the Year
SendLokation Marketing (Renfrew)
Suzy Sandhu (B & B Guru, Glasgow)
Kieran Jassal (Astonish Joiners & Building, Newmains)
Poojas Beauty Corner (Edinburgh)
Diamond Executive Car Hire (Glasgow)
Alchemist Wellness Clinic (Glasgow)
Aqsa Riaz (Design First Studio, Montrose)
SME Business of The Year
Hannan Khokhar (StaffLink Solutions, Glasgow)
Usman Qureshi (Luxe Skin, Glasgow)
Mohsin Mian (KinWell Pharmacy, Nairn)
Usman Haq (Quantum Health, Glasgow)
Aqeel Ahmad (Elite Design Flooring LTD, Falkirk)
Kessar Salimi (Freedom Financial, Dundee)
Omar Tufayl (LOOPSIO, Glasgow)
Business of the Year
Hessan Baig (Spice Direct Wholesale, Glasgow)
Azam Khan (Melton Plastics, Carluke)
Lake Sharma (The Q Club, Glasgow)
Sam Sarkar (SARKAR TACTICAL LTD, Glasgow)
Happy Lets Ltd (Glasgow)
Shahzad Rafiq (Central FS, Glasgow)
Sairah Din (123 Medical Services, Glasgow)
Creative Entrepreneur of the Year
Aladin Ali (Aura 777, Glasgow)
Nargis Nawaz (Flexible Health Care One Solution Ltd, Coatbridge)
Rana Sohaib (VeLinkX Ltd, Glasgow)
Samantha Parkash Singh (Lushka, Edinburgh)
Josh Singh (No1 Healthcare, Edinburgh)
Inder Singh (Hiring Group Limited, Edinburgh)
Naz Hussain (Breakneck Comedy, Aberdeen)
Curry Entrepreneur of the Year
Arun/Ravi (Virsa Indian Restaurant, Bathgate)
Michael Singh (Bombay Lounge, Dalkeith)
Prashad (Dhoom Indian Streetery and Bar, Dunfermline)
Harka Karki (Gurkha Bar & Restaurant, Musselburgh)
Jaganath (The Dine Indian Restaurant, Broxburn)
Praveen Sharma/ Gurchet Singh (3 Idiots, Ayr)
Satty Singh (Mr Singhs, Glasgow)
The Abid Bashir Entrepreneur of the Year
Rajen Lavingia (Agilus Ltd, Glasgow)
Ajay Singh (Tots United, Renfrewshire)
Anurag Ahluwalia (JOAN UK, Edinburgh)
Jotie Samra (Jovani Communications, Edinburgh)
Arulselvam Gnanasundaram (Aalagii Stores, Auchterarder)
Arul Palaniappan (SRJ Convenience, Elgin)
Girish Jeeva (Girish’s Stores, Glasgow)
Business Person of the Year
Puja Dhesi (Blanefield Care Ltd, Glasgow)
Faisal Sattar / Asif (MHouse, Motherwell)
Baljinder Boparai (HPDS Plumbing and Heating, Greenock)
Vikas Sud / Shamly Sud (RaceTrack / Speed Queen, Glasgow)
Sanjay Mantry (Vision Scotland, Glasgow)
Mohammed Khan (Food Asia, Glasgow)
Veenoo Sharma (The Power Diaspora Forum, Edinburgh)
Shaf Rasul Business Leader of the Year
Usman Nasim (Alfa Wholesale Limited, Glasgow)
Nishant (Nish) Sharma (Rutland Square Spirits, Edinburgh)
Kam Jandu (AGS Airports, Glasgow)
Vijay Kumar (Harveys Healthcare, Glasgow)
Charandeep Singh (Scottish Chambers of Commerce, Glasgow)
Jay Javaid (Pro Gro Group, Glasgow)
Sanjay / Rachna Narang (Black Sheep Hotels, Invergarry)
Content Creator of the Year
Cravings by Zahra (Glasgow)
The Glasgow Observer (Glasgow)
Halal Food Girl Glasgow (Glasgow)
Simmy Landa (Glasgow)
thelifeofHadia (Glasgow / Edinburgh)
YashGattani_ (Scotland)
DrPunamKrishan (Scotland)
Fahad_2f (Scotland)
Women of the Year
Moon Mughis (East Kilbride Cricket Club, Glasgow)
Fozia Hanif (Footsteps to Fitness, Glasgow)
Dilraj Sokhi Watson (Equate Scotland, Edinburgh)
Kirndeep Kaur (Sikh Women Speak, Edinburgh)
Sahira Dar (British Islamic Medical Association, Glasgow)
Balraj Marwaha Community Achievement of the Year
The Feel Good Women’s Group (Glasgow)
Fozia Hanif (Footsteps to Fitness, Glasgow)
Shagufta (Apna Ghar, East Bumbartonshire)
Diljeet Bhachu (Scottish-Asian Creative Artists’ Network, Glasgow)
Nasreen Ali (Crookston Community Group, Glasgow)
Community Light of the Year
Tabassum Niamat (Bowling Green Together, Glasgow)
Jess K Kalsi Panesar (Sikh Sanjog, Edinburgh)
Chand Kaur (PCOS Relief, Edinburgh)
Sanjay Singh (ICAS Foundation, Edinburgh)
Shazia Malik (Glasgow Ansar, Glasgow)
Bashir Ahmed Spirit of Scotland
Nayma Mughis Sheikh (Cricket Scotland, Glasgow)
Jasleen Kaur (Glasgow 2026 Festival, Glasgow)
Devi Sridhar (The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh)
All finalist announcements are subject to change up until the day of the event. Oceanic Awards reserves the right to amend or withdraw finalist status where necessary following due diligence checks, verification of information provided, or if any relevant details or circumstances come to light that may affect eligibility. Finalist status is not guaranteed until all necessary checks have been completed.
