History made as trailblazing duo appointed co-presidents of Asian Business Chamber
Two female co-presidents have been appointed to take charge of the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce for the first time in its history.
Award-winning business leader in education Sapreena Kumari, CEO of SK Consulting, and accomplished employment solicitor Neelam Afzal, a partner at Wildings Solicitors, were appointed as co-presidents of ABCC during the annual general meeting (AGM) on April 9.
The meeting was held at the Chamber’s 54 Hagley Road HQ in Edgbaston and hosted by ABCC director Anjum Khan.
Before becoming co-presidents, both Neelam and Sapreena served as ABCC vice presidents from 2023.
Neelam Afzal specialises in employment law, advising businesses and individuals on a wide range of workplace-related legal matters.
With a deep understanding of employment rights and workplace disputes, Neelam has built a strong reputation for delivering practical and effective legal solutions.
Her expertise extends to unfair dismissals, redundancy, workplace discrimination, and TUPE, making her a sought-after legal advisor for SMEs, corporations, and professionals.
She said: “I am truly honoured and excited to be appointed as co-president of the ABCC alongside the incredible Sapreena Kumari.
“This opportunity is a representation of women as co-presidents and together, we aim to continue with being ambassadors of the ABCC.
“I look forward to working with our members, our patrons, and stakeholders to drive positive change and build a stronger, more connected and supportive business community.”
Sapreena Kumari is an award-winning business leader in the education sector for 18 years.
She most recently started her own consultancy agency supporting organisations with income generation, restructure and business transformation.
Sapreena has won a range of awards, including the 2019 Greater Birmingham Young Professional of the Year in Public Sector and Education and she is a trustee at Birmingham Museums Trust and the South Asian Diaspora Digital Archive (SADDA).
She said: “I am incredibly honoured to be appointed as co-president of the ABCC alongside the formidable Neelam Afzal.
“We have been on a journey through our vice-presidency since 2023 where we have been able to forge shared values, aims and passions for elevating the ABCC to its next phase.
“Our co-presidency is a testament to the innovative way that the Asian chamber not only supports its members, but its approach to income generation and securing its future.
“We look forward to building on the legacy left to us by previous presidents and committee members in order to make the ABCC bigger and better than ever.”
The duo will be joined by vice presidents Gurdas Singh, marketing consultant at WANAMA, and Monica Ghai, associate at Shakespeare Martineau.
Five new committee members were also inducted at the AGM. They are: Abdul Farooq of Greenworks Innovation, Barinder Sumon of Alliance, Money Chopra of Malmaison & HdV, Muhanid Ali of Ernst & Young LLP and Zhagum Arshad of Trivia Solutions Ltd.
Outgoing president Omar Rashid remains on the committee as honorary chairperson.
Meanwhile, CEO of Lioncroft Wholesale and Aston University Chancellor Jason Wouhra was recognised with a long-standing member award.
Anjum Khan said: "The ABCC continues to be a powerful voice within Greater Birmingham’s business landscape, championing the region’s Asian business community.
“I’d like to extend my warmest congratulations to the incoming co-presidents and vice presidents on their appointments.
“With a new committee bringing together a rich blend of skills, experience and fresh perspectives, the ABCC is well positioned for a dynamic and impactful year ahead.
“I’m confident this new leadership team will continue to elevate the chamber’s influence and support even more businesses to thrive.”
