ETHNIC minority firms from across the East Midlands have been hailed as "survivors" who have beaten recession.

They were praised as shining examples of individual enterprise by senior city councillor Hassan Ahmed at this year's Ethnic Minority Business Awards.

He spoke out in front of an audience of hundreds of guests at this year's awards at Nottingham's Belfry Hotel.

Mr Ahmed, chairman of the enterprise agency First Enterprise, said: "Against a tough economic climate it was encouraging to see such a diverse range of applications for these awards.

"In their own way everyone who entered is a winner. They are survivors who represent the breadth and depth of the ethnic community who seek self-employment as their own way to economic prosperity.

"First Enterprise is pleased to support these businesses and to provide a platform for them to make the most of wider opportunities."

The awards specifically recognise achievement among firms run by the city's ethnic minorities, with prizes handed out in six categories.

The star prize went to Marcela Flores Newburn, whose Nottingham-based Rico Mexican Kitchen was named Business of the Year.

The award, sponsored by the East Midlands Development Agency, went to a business which started life only two years ago on Mrs Newburn's kitchen table.

Now, it has grown into a successful food brand based at the Southglade Food Park which works directly with cooperatives of Mexican growers and British suppliers to create authentic Mexican foods like salsas now sold in Harrods and Selfridges.

The judges said: "When it came to a business that overall is run to the highest standards, that performs in the best interests of its customers and has plans for growth and success in the future, this year there could be only one winner.

"Under the leadership of Marcela, Rico Mexican Kitchen has gone from strength to strength engaging with – and accessed knowledge from – a number of industry specific local agencies such as the Food Science Department at Nottingham Trent University and Food Forum.

"The company now employs and trains a number of staff at its premises on the specialist food park in Nottingham and shows real promise for continued growth."

The other award winners were:

Female Business Person of the Year Award, sponsored by EMB Ltd (Business Link) – Mrs Smruti Lodhia – Pride Beauty Clinic.

Judges said: "Judges were keen to find a female business owner with strong business acumen and a good understanding of the needs of her community.

"Smruti Lodhia, of Pride Beauty Clinic, impressed the panel by demonstrating how she had built a well-established business with strong links to her community in the Nottinghamshire area.

"She illustrated a good understanding of her market – gained by focusing on client satisfaction – and a passion for professional development – pursuing training and qualifications to deliver the latest treatments and techniques."

Fellow finalists were Mrs Tabassum Humair Asghar – Elitelets Property Services and Miss Natasha Elaine Bryan – Tick Tock Mobile Creche.

New Enterprise of the Year, sponsored by Nottingham City Council's Enterprise Coaching Programme – Mr Mohammed Abbas, Yumi Ice Cream Parlour.

Judges said: "Judges in this category were seeking a new business – less than 12 months old – which exhibited ambition for success and growth along with the a long-term potential for job creation.

"Winner of this category – 3D design graduate Mohammed Abbas – clearly demonstrated how skills developed while studying his diploma could be transposed into business, helping him create an eye-catching retail outlet in the form of Yumi Ice Cream Parlour.

"Against a particularly tough retail environment, Mohammed has used creativity and flair to develop a modern retail outlet which today offers a wide range of ice cream products."

Fellow finalists were Mr Kassam B Rajani – Isis Clothing, and Mr Chioke Ferguson – 3CZ Caribbean

Most Positive Contribution to Nottingham, sponsored by One Nottingham – Miss Natasha Elaine Bryan, Tick Tock Mobile Creche.

Judges said: "When reviewing entries in this category the judging panel were looking to find a local business that demonstrated exemplary care for their community or local environment. Tick Tock Mobile Creche – providing a mobile facility to support child care across Nottinghamshire – was a clear winner.

"Under the leadership of Natasha Bryan, Tick Tock offers a vital resource for local parents. It has boosted employment opportunities by providing a flexible child care service for parents attending Further Education, given parenting classes to support members of the community to improve child welfare and worked in and with the community to organise events and outings to engender community involvement."

Fellow finalists were Mrs Marva Daly-Lewis – Corporative Community Action (CCA), and Mr Obediar Madziva – Obediar Creations

Outstanding Contribution to Business for Development, sponsored by We Share – Mr Charles Karuga, Action Security Solutions.

The Judges said: "Wanting to reward an organisation that delivers sustainable results both locally and in developing countries, the judges felt Action Security Solutions stepped up to the mark.

"Action Security Solutions provide guards and personnel for site traffic management, remote monitoring, alarm response and access control, with the business operating in the UK and Kenya.

"The judges were impressed with the way the business demonstrated consistent growth in the UK while building a sustainable operation in Kenya. Charles Karuga's cashflow management skills were also praised along with his commitment to ensuring all staff are trained and accredited. The panel felt the business was well placed for long term success."

Fellow finalists were Mrs Marva Daly-Lewis – Corporative Community Action, and Mrs Marcela Flores Newburn – Rico Mexican Kitchen.

The Sullay Jalloh Memorial Award for Promoting Community Spirit, sponsored by Pak Foods – Mr Mohammed Riasat.

This invitation-only award honours the memory of Sullay Jalloh, chairman of First Enterprise in 1989-2001. It was presented to Mr Mohammed Riasat in recognition of his outstanding contribution to promoting community spirit as an ex-councillor and secretary of Muslim community organisations.