A woman from Burnley has been announced as the winner of the Women in Business award in The Northern Asian Power list.

The list profiles the top Asian business and professional influencers across the North of England.

Saira Hussain, who founded property consultancy firm HAD & CO, based in Standish Street, Burnley, was also included as one of the most influential Asian women within the Construction and Architecture industry.

On winning the award and being included in the comprehensive Power list, Saira Hussain said: "I have been in this industry for 13 years now and often feel out of place and overlooked in certain situations due to being female and from a minority background.

"I feel that Asian women have to work so much harder in proving themselves in both Architecture/Construction and the Business world.

"When we look at the engineering sector, a 2018 Engineering report found that only 8.1 per cent of men and women working in engineering were from BAME groups, with BAME women only comprising less than two per cent of all engineering professionals."

The list showcases the Asian wealth and influence across the UKs Northern Powerhouse, indicating the economic achievements of the Asian community.

The list was compiled to highlight the changing patterns of Asian wealth, influence and economic development, with a commentary on the financial impact the British Asian community have in the UK and the level of success growth that certain entrepreneurs and business leaders have achieved.

Saira continued: "I didn’t find any figures on Asian women in Engineering and felt they were literally non-existent in Northern England.

"There is clear evidence of a leaky pipeline and poor retention for BAME women in high-level jobs within STEM industries and this must change.

"The NAP announcing me as the winner in the women in business category and including me in to the 2023 Power List has given me a larger platform to act as an influencer and role model for Asian women who may feel alone or lack direction when it comes to male dominated industries."

The 2023 power list also included the Blackburn's billionaire Issa brothers, head of the EG Group.