An awards event that became Dorset’s biggest cultural red carpet ceremony within the space of two years is to be wound up after its founder launched her own business.

Nanzy Sebata, CEO of the Dorset Ethnic Minority Awards (DEMA), said the decision had been taken with “a very heavy heart.”

She added: “It’s not something I wanted to do but, first, with the complications caused by Covid and now the launch of my own business, I felt there was no other choice.

“I feel very sad about the ending of the DEMAs but also excited about the future.

“I want to thank all the sponsors, supporters and everyone that contributed and trusted us to do the job and recognise the wonderful work that ethnic minority individuals do in our community.

“Also the team of jurors, executives, presenters and hostesses that rallied to my side to bring DEMA into life.

“It was a huge privilege to play my part in the awards and I feel very proud of the contribution I was able to make.”

The last DEMA was held in 2019.

More than 300 people attended the gala dinner and awards at Lighthouse, Poole’s centre for the arts.

They were the second to be organised with the aim of honouring excellence and positive contributions to society by ethnic minorities in Dorset.

Seven of the 15 award categories were dedicated to business.

Headline DEMA sponsor was Dorset Police with Chief Constable James Vaughan, pictured left with Nanzy, among the guests.

Last year’s event was put on hold because of the pandemic.

Nanzy’s new business – Cater-Elite – has now officially got off the ground after being incorporated as a company in December.

The business provides staff for the hospitality sector ranging from chefs, porters and security guards to waiters, waitresses, bar staff and food and beverage and restaurant managers.

Nanzy graduated with a BA (Hons) in Events and Leisure Marketing from Bournemouth University in 2017.

Originally from Zimbabwe, she has worked in the hospitality industry in a variety of roles, including as a silver service waitress for 11 years.

Apart from the Dorset Ethnic Minority Awards, Nanzy was Event Manager and also Coordinator for the Zimbabwe Achiever Awards for more than three years.

She has been on contract as Business Development Manager for Bournemouth-based Global Health Solutions since last July.

Nanzy, pictured left, said: “I feel there is a gap in the market for the type of service I’m offering.

“Brexit has had an effect on the hospitality sector and there are real recruitment problems.

“I already have between 45 and 50 chefs on my books and many of the people registered I know and trust.

“I always tackle anything with passion and determination and this is no different.

“I feel very excited about the launch of Cater-Elite which is creating employment opportunities.

“It feels the right time to do it.”

Nanzy, who thanked her family for always supporting her decisions, urged people to register on the Cater-Elite site if they required any of the jobs being offered.

• caterelite.co.uk