Blackburn businessman Sufyan Ismail has been named the North West's Young Entrepreneur of the Year.

Sufyan, 27, set up independent financial consultancy 1st Ethical, the first in the UK to cater exclusively for the Muslim community.

He and his partner, Bashir Timol from Preston, won the regional final of the Shell LiveWIRE competition for budding entrepreneurs and collected a cheque for £1,000

They now go forward to the national finals in London on June 16 when they will compete for the top prize of £10,000.

There are some 2.5 million Muslims in the UK who are heavily restricted on investment. Sufyan explained that the Islamic faith prohibits investments that involve alcohol, gambling, tobacco, pornography and interest.

"1st Ethical has invented the concept of Islamic Tax Solutions which works in harmony with the Muslim faith, allowing them to invest their monies," he said.

The company employs 13 people and has a turnover of £500,000.