The elite of Asian business and society gathered in Manchester for the Lloyds TSB Asian Jewel Awards (North) celebrating the achievements of South Asian individuals from all walks of life.

The Professional Excellence Award went to Ibrar Ul-Haq, British Airways first Muslim captain. Ibrars father worked in the mills all his life and ensured that his son received a thorough education. Ibrar subsequently graduated from Oxford University and while teaching there was selected from 60,000 applicants to become a trainee pilot with BA.

Ibrar is launching a Muslim television station in the UK this Spring.

Sharmila Gandhi received the Public Sector Award in recognition of her work as chief executive of the Bradford Vision local strategic partnership, which has been pivotal in turning around Bradfords image since the disturbances of 2001. Accepting her award, Sharmila, who is now working in Europe with her husbands social enterprise 2Aspire Ltd, said: "A big thankyou to Bradford it's a great city and it's really going places."

Eighteen-year-old boxing star and Olympic silver medallist Amir Khan won the Media, Arts and Sport Award, and dedicated it to his father, who joined him on stage. Amir, who is now continuing his studies in Bolton while continuing to box, began boxing at the age of eight and has fought competitively since the age of 11.

Madan Showan, MD of Empire EC, received the Business and Commerce Award. Punjab-born Madan, who arrived in Britain aged 12 without a word of English, cut his teeth in business by running an innovative home delivery service for recently-arrived immigrants in Bradford. He now has a business portfolio that includes EmpireDirect, the UKs top online electrical store, and the groups sales are currently around £100 million.

The Healthcare and Education Award went to Leeds-born orthodontist and dentistry lecturer Sonil Kalia, who works in the UK, Germany and Denmark. Sonils company, Orthoscene, is based in Sheffield.

Atif Malik, whose portfolio includes Properties UK and Lending Point with a group turnover currently exceeding £100 million, received the Entrepreneur Award. Atif cites his mother as his inspiration, support and the backbone of his success.

The Lloyds TSB Making a Difference Award for Lloyds TSB staff contributing significantly to their community went to Brian Davies, who has a long track record of voluntary youth work in the UK and Honduras. Brians most recent project has been helping to set up Lloyds TSBs operations in Mumbai, where he engages with Indian staff and their families to enhance cultural understanding.

The Lifetime Achievement Award was shared by Lord Adam Patel of Blackburn and businessman Lal Kumar. Lord Patel, who became a member of the House of Lords after his retirement from business, has three decades of solid community work behind him, having been president of the Blackburn Indian Workers Association since 1977 as well as a founder member of Blackburn Community Relations Council. Lal Kumar, who began his career in the rag trade with market stalls in Lancashire, founded a fashion distribution company in 1958 now known as the Rajan Group - which currently enjoys a turnover of over £85 million.

The event, attended by over 900 guests, featured Bollywood-style entertainment as well as a catwalk show; the evenings comperes were comedian Inder Manocha and TV presenter Samina Ali Khan.