BUSINESS people – take your cue from the generosity of the Bengal Brasserie at Nether Poppleton.

That was the plea of the Lord Mayor of York, Coun Sue Galloway when she attended a supper at the restaurant in York Business Park, which raised more than £1,000 for The British Heart Foundation, her chosen charity.

“If only other businesses could also get involved. The Bengal Brasserie is leading the way,” she said after eating a three-course meal for which guests paid £15, all of which went to the charity.

Since partners Iqbal Chowdhury, Malik Miah, chef Mohon Miah and Ashley Hayes opened the first of their Bengal Brasseries in Goodramgate, York, they have raised more than £20,000. Beneficiaries have included The Princess Royal Charity Fund, Save the Children, Hurricane Flood Victims of Bangladesh, York Cancer, Age Concern and Guardian Angels.

Now the restaurant, which has a modern branch in Nether Poppleton, one in Market Weighton and another in Leeds, is being pitched for the Small Business Of The Year in The Press Business Awards.

And Iqbal, who has masterminded the expansion and the charity events is being nominated as Business Personality Of The Year.

Amid the tinkling piano of musician Kieran White who offered his services free for the night, the Lord Mayor said: “The Bengal Brasserie has given us a wonderful start to fundraising in my mayoral year.”