Do you know someone who deserves that extra little bit of recognition? Applications are now open for the 2013 Fusion Awards.

From those working in a voluntary capacity to those reaching new heights in their chosen career - the Fusion Awards want to reward their endeavours.

The concept of the awards is to give recognition to those who take part in so much community work but do not always remain in the public domain.

The awards are open to all regardless of culture, background or religion and are sponsored by Asian Image.

You can nominate yourself or someone else. The finalists will attend a dazzling dinner event.

The categories are:

Entrepreneur of the year.
A businessman or woman who in the past year has seen their idea reach fruition through determination and hard work.

Community group of the Year.
We want to hear from community and voluntary groups that make a valued contribution to the towns and city’s in which they reside. In particular, we want to hear from those groups that have carried out innovative projects or helped to create harmony between different communties.

Man of the year.
Do you know a man who has excelled in the past year in their chosen career or has battled through against the odds to inspire others? Or have helped to portray a positive image of the community through their volunteer or paid-for work?

Woman of the year.
Do you know a woman who has excelled in the past year in their chosen career or has battled through against the odds to inspire others? Or have helped to portray a positive image of the community through their volunteer or paid-for work?

Sports personality of the year.
This award is presented to outstanding teams or individuals. We are looking for sportsmen and women who have excelled in their chosen sport or those who are helping others reach their full potential.

Public Service Award.
This award aims to recognise those working in the public sector who have excelled in their chosen career or helped to implement innovative ideas and projects.
It is presented to an individual who has excelled in a public service role or who has led a project that has had a positive impact on community relations, social inclusion and health and welfare.

Community Cohesion award.
Will be awarded to someone or group who has helped breakdown cultural and religious barriers between communities through pioneering volunteer or paid-for work. This award recognises the achievements of people who have made a significant impact on multicultural, anti-racism or community cohesion issues.

Education Achievement Award:
Do you know someone who has achieved outstanding educational achievements in the past 18 months. Or has completed his or her education against all odds?

The Youth Leadership Award
This award recognises the achievements of a person or group who has portrayed a positive image of young people in our community. It is specifically aimed at rewarding initiatives that have involved young people and is presented to a young person or group who has helped to dispel myths about their community or has volunteered for the betterment of others

All you have to do is simply email us at the address below and tell us in no more than 400 words as to why you, your chosen person or your group should be nominated as a finalist for next year's event which takes place in May.

Please fill in the form below and email us with the following information

Who are you nominating?

Their contact details

Why they should win (in no more than 400 words)

Award section (See categories)

Award region

Northwest

Yorkshire

Fusion Awards North West: Nominees must be resident or working in the North West of England.

Fusion Awards Yorkshire: Nominees must be resident or working in Yorkshire.