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IoD initiates British Asian Business Community

IoD launches a new initiative to connect and advance British Asians in business. The British Asian Business Community Special Interest Group (SIG) is a significant initiative to highlight and support the UK’s thriving Asian business community.

The British Asian Business Community Special Interest Group (SIG)

According to a report by OPEN, businesses led by ethnic-minority entrepreneurs contribute £74 billion a year to the UK economy. This London-based think-tank focuses on migration and diversity issues.

The SIG’s objectives are built around the three components of the IoD’s member value proposition:

  • Connect – Connect with other directors and leaders to exchange ideas, learn together and support each other. 
  • Develop – Facilitate the sharing of  knowledge, learning  and generating new  ideas
  • Influence – Represent directors’ issues and concerns to UK government, regulators and the business and mainstream media

The group will facilitate connections between directors through live and online panel events, networking and social gatherings.

It will promote knowledge sharing, especially around diversity and inclusivity, through working groups, mentorships and an ambassador programme to foster talent.

The SIG will also ensure directors’ views are promoted to the government and media through the IoD’s influential policy unit.

The team leading Special Interest Group is chaired by Abid Khan, the chair of the Institute of Directors in Coventry and Warwickshire Vice Chair, Damini Sharma from the OM Group.

The Group Lead and Events Lead is our CEO Safaraz Ali, and Founder of the Multicultural Apprenticeship Alliance and Multicultural; Apprenticeship Awards and initiatives such as the Festival of Apprenticeships and Pathway2Grow Business Networking.

The SIG will also ensure directors’ views are promoted to the government and media through the IoD’s influential policy unit.

Paul & Saf IOD
“Safaraz brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the team; as CEO of the Pathway Group, the message of changing lives through skills and work fits perfectly with the aims of the IOD.”
 
Abid Khan, Chair of the Institue of Directors Coventry and Warwickshire
“Congratulations to Abid Khan and all team on their appointments. As the group leader for the IoD, I also congratulate the IOD who recognised and supported the contributions of the UK’s thriving Asian business community. I aim to promote high skills, knowledge, professional competence, and integrity among members. Our joint teamwork will be instrumental in driving the success of this vital initiative.”
Safaraz Ali, IoD British Asian Business Community Group’s Event and Group Lead