Celebrating Asian business in the Black Country
The Black Country LEP is at the forefront of recognising the growing economic importance of British Asian businesses, writes board member Ninder Johal.
Throughout the Black Country Asian residents averaged 15% in the 2011 census, twice the English average and a growing proportion of our work force.
Asian businesses have made a huge contribution to the economy over the past few decades in terms of output, jobs and innovation. The potential for this contribution to grow in the future is huge and will be celebrated at this week's Black Country Asian Business Association (BCABA) Awards.
BCABA was established in 2001and has grown into a dynamic business network of 2,750 businesses. It provides a collective voice for these businesses, and a point of contact for organisations that want to do business with the Asian community.
The first generation of Asian businesses served local communities and BCABA members reflect the changing face of Asian businesses in the Black Country and UK. Members are as likely to be found in digital media, IT and professional services as they are in the traditional sectors of clothing and retailing.
BCABA works with policy makers to ensure the voice of Asian businesses is heard by the LEP, local councils and the Chamber of Commerce. BCABA also partners the University of Birmingham's Centre for Research in Ethnic Minority Entrepreneurship (CREME), which has transformed perceptions of ethnic minority entrepreneurs.
After a long campaign to get direct flights to India from the Midlands, Air India launched a direct service from Birmingham Airport to Delhi in August 2013. In the first six months the airline carried 50,000 passengers, with over 80% capacity on the route.
Local success stories include Zeel Solutions in Wolverhampton, who provide specialist software solutions to the recruitment, staffing and human resource sector. Diamond Box, based in West Bromwich are the largest independently owned cardboard box manufacturing business in theregionMidlands. From foundation in 2007, they have grown to a £20m turnover.
Ranjit Boparan, the founder of 2 Sisters Food Group , began his career in a butcher's shop in Bilston and exemplifies the entrepreneurial drive of Asian ethnic population by becoming a self-made billionaire.
KTC in Wednesbury supply over 250 million litres a year of high quality cooking oils and fats to the food industry, including a wide array of ethnic and mainstream food products to manufacturers, retailers and wholesalers throughout the UK and internationally.
The BCABA awards dinner on Friday at Wolverhampton Racecourse will showcase Asian entrepreneurs. Award categories include Business Start up, Young Entrepreneur, Community Excellence, International Trade, Innovation and Enterprise, Business Person of the Year and a new category; Women in Business.
