Congratulations to All Our MTM Awards Season 12 Winners!!

Your excellence, passion, and achievements have truly inspired us all. This season, we celebrated not just success but the rich, diverse stories that make our communities shine. You are the heartbeat of MTM Awards, and we are honoured to have witnessed your incredible journeys.

A heartfelt thank you to our distinguished personalities, esteemed guests, and supporters from across cities, communities, and countries. Your presence and encouragement make MTM Awards a beacon of diversity, unity, and inspiration.

MTM Awards: Celebrating Excellence & Achievements Across Our Rich, Diverse Ethnic Communities.. 

MTM Award Winners 2024

FOOD BUSINESS AWARD

Shapla Balti Cuisine
Established in 1999, Shapla Balti Cuisine is widely regarded as Plymouth’s leading Indian and Bangladeshi restaurant. Known for its authentic flavours, warm hospitality, and refined service, Shapla has built a loyal customer base over decades. The restaurant has received multiple accolades, including BCA Restaurant of the Year 2022 and the Good Food Award Gold Seal 2024/25, and has been a finalist at the British Curry Awards, reflecting its excellence and consistency.

MTM GENERAL BUSINESS AWARD

Happy Care Bristol
Happy Care Ltd. is a pioneering organisation combining advanced technology with compassionate, person-centred care. Their innovative approach delivers tailored healthcare solutions while maintaining dignity and empathy. Through impactful community programmes and forward-thinking practices, Happy Care continues to raise standards within the wellness and care sector. Their commitment to empowering individuals and anticipating future needs positions them as leaders in creating healthier, more inclusive communities.

MTM BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Payslip Accountants & Tax Advisors
Payslip Accountants & Tax Advisors provides trusted financial services to businesses and individuals, including bookkeeping, payroll, VAT compliance, and accounts preparation. Renowned for their proactive advice and relationship-driven approach, the firm supports sustainable growth and long-term success. Their professionalism, clarity, and commitment to client outcomes have earned them a strong reputation and recognition as MTM Business of the Year.

MTM ART & CULTURE AWARD

Marina Ruhinda
Marina Ruhinda, also known as Redred Love of Redlove Designs, is a Tanzanian-born singer-songwriter, music producer, and fashion designer based in the UK. With over 200 songs written and a growing catalogue of recorded work, her musical journey is deeply expressive. Her fashion designs blend kitenge with modern fabrics, celebrating African identity, creativity, and cultural storytelling through both sound and style.

PEACHES GOLDING COMMUNITY GROUP AWARD

Changing Suits Swindon
Changing Suits Swindon works to bridge cultural gaps between the South Asian Community and local service providers. The organisation addresses mental health, domestic abuse, reproductive health, and wellbeing through workshops, support groups, fitness activities, health fairs, and a community podcast. By promoting culturally sensitive, accessible support, Changing Suits empowers individuals and strengthens trust, dialogue, and inclusion within the wider community.

MTM MUKHTIYAR SINGH COMMUNITY CHAMPION AWARD

Plymouth Romanian Organisation
The Plymouth Romanian Organisation has played a vital role in supporting Romanian families and entrepreneurs while promoting cultural pride. Through initiatives such as Grand Union Day celebrations and community advocacy, the organisation strengthens social cohesion and belonging. Their dedication to empowerment and unity has created lasting impact, making them deserving recipients of the Community Champion Award.

MTM PAUL STEPHENSON UNSUNG HERO AWARD

Mohammad Ainul Islam
Mohammad Ainul Islam has dedicated over 15 years to advocacy and community leadership. As President of the Bangladesh Association (Bristol, Bath & West), he secured grants, established advice services, and delivered health awareness programmes. He is a strong advocate for disability access and inclusive transport and, as Chairman of the Licensed Taxi Association, continues to champion equality and representation.

ROSA HUI EMPOWERING WOMEN AWARD

Bhawna Goyal
Bhawna Goyal is a Swindon-based Cloud Engineer deeply committed to community development and women’s empowerment. She actively supports initiatives addressing child development, homelessness, climate action, and public safety. A strong advocate for school safety zones and greener neighbourhoods, Bhawna works tirelessly to ensure inclusive decision-making and opportunities for seniors, youth, and women across Swindon.

MTM PERSON OF THE YEAR AWARD

Abdul Raoof Malik
Abdul Raoof Malik is Chair of Easton Jamia Masjid, Bristol’s largest mosque, where he led major revitalisation projects, educational programmes, and community outreach. He has fostered strong interfaith relationships and addressed Islamophobia locally. Abdul is also the founder of Pak Butchers, Bristol’s first halal butcher, which expanded into a successful multi-city business through innovation and inclusive marketing.

MTM NATIONAL POSITIVE ROLE MODEL AWARD

Dr Donald Timothy Mlewa
Dr Donald Timothy Mlewa is committed to community cohesion, particularly in mental health and wellbeing advocacy. He has designed and delivered training on parenting, emotional resilience, and self-harm awareness, equipping communities with practical knowledge. His work amplifies minority voices and strengthens access to support services, making him a powerful national role model.

MTM NATIONAL AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE

Patricia Jacob Mpangala
Patricia Jacob Mpangala is a Forensic Community Practitioner with over nine years’ experience working in HM prisons. Her work focuses on rehabilitation, mental health, and prevention for young people in the criminal justice system. Through workshops, peer support, and her role with TUHEDA, she addresses stigma and inequality while creating pathways for healing and long-term change.

MTM ENVIRONMENTAL EXCELLENCE AWARD

Rafae A. Brown
Rafae A. Brown gained early recognition after winning a top-five prize in a school business pitch competition. Inspired by resilience and hard work, he developed a renewable energy project aimed at providing safe, clean power for communities. His vision supports environmental sustainability while reducing reliance on traditional energy sources, demonstrating leadership in climate-focused innovation.

MTM INTERNATIONAL AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE

Keith Michael Abrahams
Keith Michael Abrahams transformed an abandoned sports facility into a thriving community hub supporting over 2,000 young people. Through KB International, he developed facilities for 14 sports, literacy initiatives, and wellness programmes for all ages. His work promotes inclusion, reduces youth crime, and strengthens community wellbeing, leaving a lasting international legacy.

MTM SPECIAL RECOGNITION

Tamil Association Swindon (STA)
Founded in 2006, the Swindon Tamil Association promotes Tamil language, culture, and arts while supporting refugee and migrant families. Since the early 1990s, STA has provided essential services including English classes, interpreting, housing support, and education guidance. Today, it continues to empower a thriving community whose members contribute meaningfully to society.

MTM SPECIAL RECOGNITION

Cornelia Agapescu
Since moving to the UK in 2013, Cornelia Agapescu has dedicated herself to supporting community integration and connection. Through information sharing, family activities, and community initiatives, she has helped individuals from diverse backgrounds feel supported and included. Her work across the South West promotes cultural heritage, unity, and strong community networks.

MTM SPECIAL RECOGNITION

Steffi Fernandes
Steffi Fernandes is recognised for creating sustainable job opportunities in Dar es Salaam and parts of India. She works with community leaders to deliver vocational training, entrepreneurship programmes, and job placement initiatives. By aligning skills development with market needs, her work strengthens local economies and empowers individuals with pathways to long-term financial stability.

MTM SPECIAL RECOGNITION

Dr Naseeb Mwande
Dr Naseeb Mwande supported TUHEDA in establishing two medical simulation labs in Tanzania, securing equipment and training specialists. He also contributes through clinical teaching during visits and supports Kibindu Primary School with desks and IT resources. His work enhances healthcare training, patient safety, and education access within rural communities.

MTM SPECIAL RECOGNITION

Hodan Ali
Hodan Ali is recognised for delivering exceptional person-centred care within BCC-assessed Adult Social Care. Her leadership has positively influenced colleagues and improved service standards. Through her commitment and compassion, she has strengthened the Shining Care domiciliary model and enhanced outcomes for service users.

MTM SPECIAL RECOGNITION

Onia Thomas
Mrs Onia Thomas has devoted decades to the NHS and lifelong service to her church community. Through cooking, singing, home visits, and pastoral care, she has reduced isolation and strengthened social bonds. While caring for her husband with dementia, she continues to inspire others through compassion, resilience, and service.

MTM SPECIAL RECOGNITION

Bisnukumar Gurung
Bisnukumar Gurung supports Nepalese and Gurkha communities through NAW, helping residents integrate into British society. The organisation delivers educational, cultural, and awareness programmes, particularly supporting senior citizens. His work fosters inclusion, shared understanding, and a cohesive community across Swindon.

MTM SPECIAL RECOGNITION

Ekhlas Ahmed
Ekhlas Ahmed has volunteered for over a decade with the Bristol Sudanese Community Association. He coordinates events, family trips, and social activities that support wellbeing and connection. By leading through example, he has inspired others to volunteer and take on leadership roles within the community.

MTM SPECIAL RECOGNITION

All Nations Community Centre / Social Club
All Nations Community Centre works with local authorities and voluntary organisations to advance education, recreation, and wellbeing. With a strong focus on tackling isolation, youth engagement, and health, the centre has seen growing community participation since 2021, becoming a vital hub for connection and support.

MTM SPECIAL RECOGNITION BATOOK PANDYA LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

RSVP Bhangra
RSVP Bhangra is celebrated for its electrifying fusion of classic Punjabi music and contemporary dance beats. Their vibrant performances and audience engagement have made them a favourite on the UK festival circuit, earning repeat invitations over the past decade and securing their legacy in British Asian music culture.

Prudence Orridge (née Kimiti)
Prudence Orridge has built an outstanding career at HMRC since 2005, rising to senior leadership within the Large Business Directorate. Alongside her professional achievements, she has championed Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion, leading HMRC’s Race Network in Wales and driving meaningful responses to Black Lives Matter, strengthening representation and equity within the organisation.