Two retail chains have taken top awards at the Midlands Business Awards 2014.

Ali Kurji, chief executive of Nuneaton-headquartered Heart of England Co-operative, which has 55 branches, was voted Midlands Business Person of the Year,

He said he would share the award with the rest of his employees.

Suleman Sacranie, CEO of Leicester-based 99p Shopper network of franchised stores, was named Midlands Entrepreneur of the Year, adding to his win two years ago when he took the equivalent young entrepreneur title.

Sacranie was featured on the BBC series ‘Million Dollar Intern‘ last year in which he visited struggling businesses across the country and improved their fortunes.

In all, 59 finalists were shortlisted across 13 separate categories, including retail and distribution for the awards.