“British Asians businesses have a huge pivotal role to play in the re-emergence of British Industry”, awards evening are told.
With the first signs of shoots of growth, British Asian business will be playing a huge role in the emergence of British industry and the UK economy as a whole within the global marketplace.
This was the observation made by Lord Karan Bilimoria of Chelsea, who argued that the ‘glass ceiling’ that was prevalent in British business was no longer operating. He further argued that success in British society was no longer based on class or colour or creed but on actual merit.
He described his personal journey from his birth in India to an education to Cambridge University where he graduated as a law student. Despite his parents’ reservations, he set up Cobra Beers on a string purse having spotted a gap in the Asian restaurant market.
From humble beginnings where he transported his beer in a small Citroen, he grew the business into a multi pound company eventually setting up a joint venture with Coors. Lord Bilimoria then spoke about the success of Brand Britain, the Olympics and the success of British Asian business within the context of British business.
As a previous Chancellor of Thames Valley University, he spoke about the importance of skills, the need to increase exports and the need to change the perceptions of British business amongst the British public.
The main beneficiary of the awards evening was Sandwell’s Diamond Box, which manufactures cardboard boxes. Operating from a 100,000 square foot premises in West Bromwich, Diamond Box have rapidly grown from a start up to position where it turnover is in excess of £22 million – all achieved in just 5 years. It is projected to reach £30 million by the end of the year. It employs 100 people and expects to strengthen its workforce with an aggressive recruitment drive.
Other winners were:
Start-Up: Autobase Citroen
Young Entrepreneur: Wasim Ashraf of Cloverford Textiles
Community Excellence: Punjabi Wolves
Regeneration: TCH Hire
International Award: Brit Health Care
Innovation and Enterprise: Zeel Solutions
Business Person of the Year: KaviJundu
Business of the Year: Diamond Box
Life time Achievement Award: JindyKhera of KTC
NinderJohal, chair of BCBA, which takes in over 3,000 businesses, said “Despite the economic difficulties, it is reassuring to see that the Asian business community is still thriving. The fact that almost 500 people attended this event is a clear testimony of this.”
He outlined the partnerships that BCABA has developed with the Black Country LEP, the Black Country Chamber of Commerce, local authorities and connections with UKTI in finding ways of acting as a conduit. BCABA is now working closely with UKTI and Wolverhampton Council on a major trade mission to India in the autumn. He also spoke about the support for Birmingham Airport to the area, and its strategic importance to the Black Country.
Despite the placid nature of the economy, Mr Johal argued that the Black Country had much to be proud of. Mr Johal who is also a Board member of the Black Country LEP and Vice President of the Black Country Chamber of Commerce, cited examples of improving education, transport and planning conditions for those involved in Business and considerable progress that the Black Country LEP had made in the short time of its existence.
In his speech, Mr Johal also highlighted the need for the region to be recognised for its many features including a skilled workforce and attractiveness for inward investment. He pointed to the investment made by Jaguar Landrover into the Black Country as a clear indication of the potential of the area.
Around 500 attended the awards dinner held at the Wolverhampton Racecourse marking the 12th anniversary of BCABA.
Sponsors included KTC (Edibles) UK ltd, Walsall Council, Stourbridge College ( Business Skills), Jaguar Landrover, Wolverhampton Business Solutions, Apprenticeships, Business Skills( Stourbridge College), Accord group, Central Campus, Birmingham Airport, Turkish Airlines, Wolverhampton Council, Black Country LEP, Birmingham City University and Johal Catering.
Motor neurone disease was the charity on the night where over £9000 was raised. Host for the evening was Tommy Sandhu, a BBC presenter and entertainment was provided by Back 2 Back.
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Picture captions :
Photo 168 :Start Up award Winners : Autobase Citroen
Ali Allibhai, Henry Inman, NinderJohal, Tommy Sandhu
Photo 169 :Young Entrepreneur Winner : Cloverford Textiles ( Wasim Ashraf)
Wasim Ashraf, Scott Upton, Parikh Akshay, NinderJohal, Tommy Sandhu
Photo 170 :Regeneration Award winners : TCH Hire
Tommy Sandhu, HarveerSanghera, GurrajSanghera, JasbirSanghera, Adrian Andrews, KulrajSanghera, NinderJohal
Photo 173 Community Excellence AwardWinners : Punjabi Wolves
Photo 174 International Trade award Winners : Brit Health Care
Dr ArunaVij, Dr S.K. Vij, Dr RajnishMohindroo
Photo 175 : Innovation and Enterprise Winners : Zeel Solutions
Photo 178 : Business Person of the year award : KaviJundu ( Diamond Box)
UpkarPardesi, KaviJundu, NinderJohal, Tommy Sandhu
Photo 180 :Business of the year winner : Diamond Box
Photo 183 Lifetime Achievement award :JindyKhera ( KTC Edibles)
Tommy Sandhu, JindyKhera, DaljitJagait, NinderJohal
For further information please contact NinderJohal, Chair, Black Country Asian Business Association tel 07774 116545 email : Ninder.Johal@nachural.co.uk
By Emb Hashmi
