A MONTHLY ROUND-UP OF NEWS FROM THE YORKSHIRE ASIAN BUSINESS ASSOCIATION

Following a fantastic 2017, we have an extremely exciting year ahead for YABA. I am delighted to announce that The Pentelow Practice and The Yorkshire Society have joined as corporate members.

We are striving to work more closely with our corporate partners and you can see some examples of this in today’s news bulletin. Details of our project with KPMG will also feature in the next edition of YABA E-news.

LAUNCH OF THE INDIA AND THE NORTHERN POWERHOUSE REPORT

YABA will be launching the India and the Northern Powerhouse report on the 21st March 2018 at the House of Commons. The report will showcase the two very commercially successful trade missions to India last year and our trade and civic links with the states of Karnataka, Punjab, Mumbai and Delhi.

YABA are strengthening business opportunities in this important global marketplace; India is the sixth biggest economy in the world and is growing at an enviable 7%. The World Bank predicts that this will increase to 7.5% by 2020. In less than ten years, it is expected to become the third largest consumer, worth some £3.14 trillion.

Potential GDP would be even higher if India is able to increase the proportion of women in work. IMF Chief Christine Lagarde recently told Davos that by bringing women’s participation in the workforce to the level of men, this would boost the Indian economy by 27%.

English-speaking middle- and upper-class women with higher education have already been blazing a trail through the Indian economy. The innumerable IT firms, outsourcing companies and call centres (staffed and even run by educated English-speaking women) are testimony to the growing social and economic empowerment of women in India. But there is more to be done.

Gender sensitisation and equality of opportunity has always been a hot topic for YABA, so to celebrate 100 Years of the Vote, YABA is leading a Women in Business Trade Mission to India. There will be a focus on thought leadership, engagement around India’s socio-economic issues and approaches towards gender issues which present a barrier to the country’s growth. We are currently in discussion with key partners who would like to support this project and I am delighted to announce that Anj Hande from Inspiring Women Changemakers will be joining us. Through Inspiring Women Changemakers, Anj is committed to inspiring women leaders in driving positive social change.

If you would like more information about Women in Business India and the Northern Powerhouse Trade Mission, please contact Sharon Jandu on Sharon@yaba.uk.com  or +44 (0)7807 474885.

THE PENTELOW PRACTICE

I am pleased to welcome Balina Dhesi, a Wealth Management Consultant from the Pentelow Practice, to YABA Corporate Membership. The Pentelow Practice is a Founding Member and Principal Partner Practice of St. James’s Place Wealth Management. As an adviser within the Practice, Balina channels her hard work, determination and passion into being a client-focused individual, working for a family business and a people-centred organisation.

Balina provides a professional service on an individual and corporate level including:

• Investment Planning

• Protecting Your Estate

• Retirement Planning

• Corporate Services

• Banking and Mortgages

Her emphasis is on maintaining a long-term relationship with her clients and to provide them with a source of trusted advice as their financial needs evolve over the years.

For a no obligation consultation please feel welcome to contact Balina on 0113 212 0760 • 07591 204050 • balina.dhesi@sjpp.co.ukwww.sjpp.co.uk/pentelowpractice

YABA AND THE YORKSHIRE SOCIETY JOIN FORCES

Formed as a non-political, not-for-profit organisation in 1980, the Yorkshire Society encourages businesses, charities and individuals from or living in all parts of Yorkshire to join together to promote the County.

Membership of the Society is open to individuals, businesses, charities, educational establishments and councils to enable everyone to work towards and achieve common goals throughout the County. The Society works with established organisations in their efforts to generate and promote culture, tourism, business and awareness of all the various facets to be found within the County.

Additionally, the Society seeks to promote projects which will improve the beauty, attractions and amenities to be found and experienced throughout Yorkshire. Under the Patronage of His Royal Highness the Duke of York, The Yorkshire Society represents the very best of Yorkshire and showcases this to those visiting or investing in the County. The Society also erects the Yorkshire Rose Plaques to celebrate the lives of famous and diverse Yorkshire people not previously commemorated within the County.

THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF ARTS COMES TO HUDDERSFIELD

Enjoy inspiring discussions, share new ideas, and help shape the future of RSA activity in Kirklees.

I will be attending this event to present the monies raised from the YABA 2017 Annual Awards Dinner to  Global Diversity Positive Action (GDPA), who were our charity of choice. GDPA is a charity in central Huddersfield connecting the community through creativity. They work with communities in disadvantaged areas of Kirklees, channelling creativity into sustainable career choices.

By bringing people together at the GDPA community coffee shop, the RSA hopes to channel the energy and expertise of RSA Fellows to engage with the charitable objectives:

• Creating employment opportunities

• Protecting Your Estate

• Promoting health and wellbeing

• Improving the attainment of disadvantaged communities – developing a culture of lifelong learning

• Encouraging social responsibility

• Promoting and recognising arts in the community

You’ll have an opportunity to meet local Fellows and the RSA North team, find out more about GDPA and the RSA, and explore how you might get involved. This event is free to attend and open to YABA Members, RSA Fellows, friends, and colleagues interested in supporting the work of the RSA and GDPA. You are welcome to dip in for part of the evening or stay for the duration.

Please register to attend by clicking here.

LEEDS BECKETT OFFER DEGREE APPRENTICESHIPS FOR SMEs

There has never been a better time to employ an apprentice or a trainee. Hiring apprentices helps businesses to grow their own talent by developing a motivated, skilled and qualified workforce.

Leeds Beckett are the only University in West and North Yorkshire who can provide degree apprenticeships to ANY business, For the smaller businesses, the Government pays 90% of the cost of the degree and the business only pays 10%. This is a fantastic proposition and Leeds Beckett want to make sure that YABA members take full benefit of this opportunity; there will be a Breakfast Briefing taking place on the 6th March at Leeds Beckett where you can come and find out more about apprenticeships.

Please contact Ian Maude, Business Development Manager Enterprise Services for further information about the Breakfast Session and the Degree Apprenticeships.

YABA Media Partner Asian Lite

YABA Media Partner Asian Lite is an ideal publication to spread your message and engage with the Asian community.

Asian Lite International, with editions from London & Dubai, is now the most influential newspaper for the Diaspora. A new media with active presence in the social and digital platforms, Asian Lite is one of the mot popular amongst the Indian community across the world.

Asian Lite is the first publication to identify the potential and promote the contributions of Asian professionals, especially in the IT and Medical sectors. Please contact md@asianlite.com to request our Media Pack

THE BIG LEARN

Don’t forget, there is still the chance to sign-up to the BIG Learn and showcase your commitment to lifelong learning. There are free distance learn qualifications for 50,000 individuals. Why not join this campaign that helps you to learn and potentially earn, more? New Year’s Resolution – gain a formal accredited qualification to improve your life chances. Email grow@thebiglearn.uk now!

Become a Member

There are many benefits of joining YABA, from brand building to international opportunities, reaching new audiences and networking business-to-business. To find out more about YABA or to become a member please contactsharon@yaba.uk.com or visit our website.

For any observations, comments or further information please do not hesitate to contact me.

Kind Regards,

Amarjit Singh

Chairman of Yorkshire Asian Business Association