The shortlist for the 23rd Asian Achievers Awards, the UK’s most prominent and longstanding celebration of British Asian achievement across multiple fields, is out.  Amrit Dhaliwal, CEO, Walfinch and author of  Time to Thrive, The Home Care Revolution  has been shortlisted for Business Person of the Year.   

More than 500 nominations were received across all the categories, which the judges spent the last month narrowing down to a deserving shortlist.

Judges were chosen to represent a wide cross-section of society across public service, business, entrepreneurship and the media. They include  Dr Poonam Gupta OBE  (CEO, PG Paper),  Alison Eddy  (Former Regional Managing Partner, Irwin Mitchell LLP),  Sunil Mohindra  (President, TiE North),  Mina Tailor  (Senior Manager, UK Customer, Propositions and Marketing, HSBC),  Remona Aly  (journalist) and  Cary Sawhney MBE  (film festival director and programmer).

This year’s shortlist reflects the wide range of talent right across the South Asian community in the UK, including  Neerja   Birla  (billionaire founder and chairperson for the Aditya Birla Education Trust),  Frank Khalid OBE  (owner of West London Film Studios, Elbrook Cash and Carry and Chak89),  Indhu Rubasingham MBE  (artistic director of the National Theatre),  Sunny Gill Singh  (first British South Asian referee in the Premier League) and  Amrit Dhaliwal  (CEO, Walfinch Franchising).
 
Amrit Dhaliwal, CEO, Walfinch commented: “Wow, what an honour to be shortlisted for these prestigious awards which highlight the amazing work of those in the South Asian Community.  My achievements are realised only with the support of my incredible team – many of whom also come from the South Asian community - working to transform lives on a daily basis.  I am proud to say, this nomination is for everyone at Walfinch home care. 

“One of my personal goals is to help educate South Asian communities and challenge the stereotypes around care and receiving care, that’s why this is such an important award nomination for me.”

Speaking about this year’s programme,  Pratik Dattani, Managing Director of EPG,  says:  “While Britain faces global economic and political headwinds from multiple sides, South Asians have again showed their resilience and ability to contribute to building the nation. They have created jobs, innovated, broken down barriers and enriched the cultural fabric of our country. Congratulations to all the shortlist and best of luck for the Awards.”

The Asian Achievers Awards continue to recognise the outstanding work of individuals within the South Asian community. The event is organised by advisory firm  EPG , supported by  State Bank of India (UK) , charity partner  Parkinson’s UK , low- and no-alcohol drinks pioneer  Khoki United , think tank  Bridge India , home of extraordinary food  Fortnum & Mason , business magazine  Entrepreneur India , award-winning single malt  Indri,  media partners  Asian Voice, Gujarat Samachar  and  LycaRadio  as well as catering partners  Madhus.
 
The evening will be hosted by actor  Nitin Ganatra OBE  and Sky News presenter  Anila Dhami , with presenter and choreographer  Nileeka Bose  hosting the red carpet. Performers include Indian-Canadian singer  Raghav , stand-up comedian  Eshaan Akbar , as well as a special table performance.

Raghav is one of the most recognisable global Indian singers and sold over 1.4 million copies of his debut album ‘Storyteller’ which led to a MOBO Award, two UK Asian Music Awards, one Urban Music Award and four UK national top 10 singles.

T ho mas Forrester  from BBC’s Bargain Hunt and Antiques Road Trip will be hosting the charity auction for Parkinson’s UK.

 
This year’s Awards will take place on Friday 19 September 2025 at the prestigious London Hilton on Park Lane. Nearly 600 guests include celebrities, business leaders and global stars. Over the last few editions, the net worth of the room has consistently been over £25 billion.