Will Take Place on 29 November
The Institute of Asian Businesses (IAB) annual dinner has sold out two months ahead of the event – the first time this has happened.
There has been an unprecedented clamour for tickets for the event, which this year features two major guest speakers, top industrialist Lord Paul of Marylebone and leading entrepreneur Hussein Lalani.
Lord Paul, 83, is chairman of steel and engineering empire, the Caparo Group, which has its major regional office in Oldbury and a technology division on Wolverhampton Science Park.
Mr Lalani is a co-founder of 99p Stores, which has just opened its 250th store in the UK, in Northampton, and is approaching a turnover of £500m.
99p Stores, which as the name suggests, is a major rival of Poundland, and was set up by Nadir Lalani and his two sons, Hussein and Faisal, in 2001.
IAB president Saqib Bhatti said: “I am absolutely delighted that the IAB Annual Dinner tickets are sold out.
“This year we have had unprecedented demand for our flagship event and it is a sign of the upcoming and dynamic nature of the Asian business community.
“Not only have we sold out but we have had significant demand for our sponsorship opportunities as more and more businesses are seeing the value of getting their brand in front of an affluent and accomplished section of the business community and one that isn’t afraid to spend money for the right product.
“Obviously our two major speakers, Mr Lalani from the 99p Stores and Lord Paul from Caparo Group have had a significant impact when it comes to demand for tickets as they are two individuals who epitomise the Asian Business success story and people want to hear from them.
“Furthermore the awards, the very reason for the evening, have had some extremely talented individuals apply and shortlisting was no easy task. Our dinner this year is going to be a celebration but I want it to be an inspiration for the next generation of businesspeople as they will have many role models throughout the night who will demonstrate that no matter who you are, with the right talent, perseverance, hard work and determination, anything is possible.
“I’m excited and looking forward to an exclusive and stunning evening with some of the top businesspeople from across the region.”
The IAB has introduced a new category for women in business to its annual awards this year.
Now in its 27th year, the event plays a major part in the IAB business agenda and nominations have now been shortlisted for the new category of ‘Outstanding Business Woman of the Year’.
The IAB dinner and awards will take place on 29 November at Birmingham’s International Convention Centre. For more information call 0121 450 4203.
For the full list of nominees, please visit: http://theasiantoday.com/article.aspx?articleId=3960
