Yasin’s an everyday hero
THE owner of a community interest company has been named a regional winner in O2’s Everyday Heroes Awards.
Yasin El Ashrafi, of HQ Community Art Network, in Leicester, is one of five regional business owners who now have the opportunity to win the national title and £5,000.
The awards celebrate independent and small businesses, and the individuals behind them, who have adapted to go above and beyond to support their communities or have remained resilient and resourceful in the face of adversity.
Yasin was nominated by members of the public who wanted to acknowledge his efforts in helping the creative community flourish.
After realising there were no music services for adults in the area and talented creatives were going unrecognised, he set up HQ Recording Studio, HQ Familia record label and HQ CAN, helping disadvantaged individuals achieve their potential through mentoring, support and experience in the creative industries.
During lockdown, Yasin adapted his services to make them more accessible, creating portable studios that he drove to isolating, high-risk people and those in rural areas.
He has also made services such as mentoring and teaching available online as well as in person.
Yasin said: “I’m honoured to have been chosen as one of the regional winners.
“It’s been a hard year for everyone in the team as we’ve conquered technology, lockdown and disconnection.
Technology was invaluable in ensuring we were able to continue delivering quality support and care to the most disconnected, whether through offering online classes or recording music.
“Transitioning to online wasn’t without its obstacles, but we’ve come out of lockdown with a host of skills that can only benefit us.
“Winning £5,000 would mean we could secure even more equipment for our young creatives to continue doing what they love, alongside helping us continue to support the groups that need it most.”
Public votes will account for 50 per cent of the outcome, while the other 50 per cent will be determined by the O2 panel.
Jo Bertram, managing director, business and wholesale at Virgin Media O2, said: “Yasin is an incredible representation of the huge effort people have made across the UK in bringing communities together during the pandemic.
“During lockdown, Yasin expanded his network and partnerships across the country, using connectivity to help ensure no one would be left behind.
“Where there was once few services and opportunities for young musicians in Leicester, Yasin has created an organisation that benefits the creative community in the city and enables people to take their passions and turn them into profitable businesses.
“He couldn’t be more deserving of his place as a regional winner of O2’s Everyday Heroes award.”
The national winner will be announced on October 6.
EFFORTS IN LOCKDOWN EARN BUSINESS BOSS AWARD NOMINATION