Luton is brimming with exceptional people!
The Luton’s Best Awards are now live, and each week we focus on three awards to share with readers.
These awards are a celebration of our community, shining a spotlight on the very best of Luton. The three stories we bring you this week are a testament to the exceptional individuals we are fortunate to have in our town. Through the Luton’s Best Awards, we seek to recognise the very best of Luton, and your nominations are crucial. If you know an individual or organisation who deserves to be recognised, it is really easy to nominate via our website www.loveluton.org.uk/lutonsbestawards/
Our first spotlight award for this week is the prestigious Entrepreneur of the Year, sponsored by Aegis Support Services, who joined us as a Love Luton partner in 2025. This award, which was won by the remarkable Qadeer Qureshi in 2024. Qadeer, with his exceptional skills and experience, is one of Luton’s most successful entrepreneurs, and Aegis was thrilled to sponsor this award for 2025.
Luton has a huge track record for being one of the top places for business start ups! The Entrepreneur of the Year award is open to any individual over the age of 16 studying or working in Luton. Entrepreneurs make a huge difference locally, nationally and internationally. They have not only great ideas but also the drive to make them a reality.
Our second spotlight category is the Keeping Luton Safe Award sponsored by Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service. The judges will be looking for individual members of the public or groups who have put themselves at risk and acted with bravery and courage to help save the life or protect the well-being of another.
Last year’s winner, Muddasar Hussain, or Muddy as he is known, is an exemplary individual whose tireless dedication to the Luton community has significantly improved its safety and well-being. He has emerged as a beacon of hope and inspiration for many. He provides free courses to equip individuals who have been impacted by senseless acts of violence. These courses not only empower young people but also create opportunities for personal growth, instilling a sense of optimism and inspiration.
Our third spotlight category is the Best Volunteer Award sponsored by Signature Flight Support. This award will recognise a volunteer(s) of any age who has made an outstanding contribution by giving up their own time to help others, charities, or initiatives across the town. We ask that entries be for individuals still active in their role, but you can list all activities they have taken part in prior to 2024/2025.
Last year’s winner was Dorothy Llewellyn-Lewis, who has been volunteering consistently for over 20 years to make Luton a better place. Dorothy is an absolute inspiration, and even during her cancer treatment, had continued to volunteer.
She has devoted her time cleaning neglected streets, sweeping up, cutting hedges and clearing litter. Her impact on the community is profound, and she is well-known and loved by everyone, motivating her neighbours to help keep their own areas clean and tidy.
In 2024, Dorothy also signed up to be one of the Luton Rising festival makers supporting the Radio 1 Big Weekend; sporting a Unicorn suit, she uplifted the whole team of volunteers.
To find out more about the Luton's Best Awards and nominate, visit www.loveluton.org.uk/lutonsbestawards/