Welcome to Asian Business Chamber of Commerce, the Chamber that aims to represent the Asian business community across Greater Birmingham.
Formed in 1987, the ABCC has a long history in supporting the vast variety of diverse, Asian businesses that operate in the West Midlands. The largest Chamber of its kind, the ABCC acts as a gateway for any organisations looking to target the West Midlands Asian business community.’
The ABCC are committed to speaking up for members and offering members a diverse offering in terms of business support, networking and event opportunities. As well as offering member services, the ABCC acts as an advocate for Asian businesses and speaks as an influential voice for the views and opinions of its members, aiming to represent their business needs.
Overall, the ABCC are here for all businesses. We aim to champion their successes, be firm in the face of adversity, and supportive through tough times. Whatever the business need, the ABCC aims to support our members in order for them to continue to develop, connect and grow.
ANJUM KHAN
Director of ABCC
Tel: 07971144080
ABCC patrons
NETWORKING & EVENTS
Latest News
Meet the ABCC Committee
OMAR RASHID - ABCC PRESIDENT
Omar Rashid is not just your typical HR and recruitment specialist; he is a seasoned professional with a passion for transforming SME businesses and shaping careers. Born and bred in the vibrant city of Birmingham, Omar's journey to excellence has been nothing short of remarkable.
Armed with an MA in Human Resource Management from Coventry University, Omar laid the foundation for his impressive career.
Omar boasts over a decade of diverse experience in various sectors, fine-tuning his expertise in human resources and recruitment. He has worked tirelessly to understand the nuances of talent acquisition, employee relations and organisational development. His journey through different industries has equipped him with a unique perspective, enabling him to tailor HR services to the specific needs of each business.
Omar’s impact extends beyond the boardroom. He currently holds the esteemed position of President of the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce, a testament to his dedication to fostering collaboration and growth within the Asian business community.
Omar is not just a leader in the business world; he's also a prominent voice on the airwaves. As the charismatic host of Unity FM's "The Business Hour," he brings insightful discussions and interviews with industry leaders to a captivated audience.
Omar knows that networking is the lifeblood of business. That's why he co-hosts the renowned "The Breakfast Club," a dynamic and vibrant business networking event that brings professionals together to forge connections and explore new opportunities.
Beyond the world of business, Omar is a Chelsea fan, an ardent cricket and darts follower.
Omar's Muslim faith is a cornerstone of his life. His commitment to his values and beliefs informs his approach to business and his interactions with others, fostering an atmosphere of respect and integrity.
NEELAM AFZAL - ABCC VICE-PRESIDENT
Neelam is a Partner and Solicitor in Employment Law at Wildings Solicitors.
With just over 15 years’ experience in the legal sector, she is renowned amongst her clients for her dedicated approach and passion for assisting and supporting employers and employees.
Neelam advises across a broad spectrum of both contentious and non-contentious matters having managed a varied Employment Tribunal caseload and undertaken advocacy. Neelam has also provided full employment services to corporate business clients, including one of the UK's largest independent healthcare services providers, leading to commercially astute and pragmatic advice. Neelam advises employer’s and her clients range from the Healthcare Services, Energy and Utilities, Financial Services and Manufacturing.
SAPREENA KUMARI - ABCC VICE-PRESIDENT
Sapreena has worked in education for 18 years in further education colleges and most recently in higher education. All roles have focused on social mobility and supporting students from disadvantaged backgrounds to enter (or re-enter education)
- Sapreena won the 2019 Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Future Face of Public Sector and Education for her social mobility work
- Sapreena has worked at Staffordshire University since 2022 and is responsible for the university’s admissions, recruitment and partnership strategy
- Sapreena is Vice President of the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce of Titan Education Trust’s executive committee, more information can be found here: Council & Committees | Birmingham Chambers of Commerce | GBCC (greaterbirminghamchambers.com)
- Sapreena is also a trustee of Birmingham Museums Trust: Trustees | Birmingham Museums
- Sapreena also sits on governing boards of a multi academy trust and a sixth form
- Sapreena was born in Birmingham and is a huge advocate of the region, its educational opportunities and the rich culture of the region
Sapreena can be best summed up by her passion and enthusiasm for social mobility. She believes in the transformative power of education and the impact it can have on young people’s lives. Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery is one of her favourite places in Birmingham.
AFTAB CHUGHTAI, MBE
Aftab Chughtai: A Visionary Business Professional and Dedicated Community Advocate
Aftab Chughtai is a business professional and a revered figure in his community, boasting an illustrious career spanning over three decades across both the private and public sectors. His wide-ranging expertise encompasses diverse industries, including retail, education, healthcare, and charitable organizations. Aftab's multifaceted skill set includes formidable consulting, marketing, and project management talents, all of which have contributed significantly to the growth and prosperity of local economies.
Throughout his remarkable journey, Aftab has spearheaded transformative initiatives on an organisational scale, orchestrating impactful change projects and programs across the United Kingdom and Europe. His ability to collaborate with myriad stakeholders and cultivate high-performing, diverse teams in dynamic and fast-paced environments has been instrumental in his success.
Aftab Chughtai's unwavering commitment to public service is truly commendable. For over two decades, he has been a driving force behind numerous community-driven endeavours in Birmingham and throughout the UK. In this time, he has assumed various leadership roles and emerged as a trusted source of wisdom in the realm of community relations. His invaluable insights have fostered cohesion between statutory partners and the communities they serve, with a resolute dedication to crafting integrated and inclusive societies.
In recognition of his outstanding achievements and unwavering dedication to both businesses and communities, Aftab was bestowed with the prestigious Membership to the Order of The British Empire (MBE). This honour underscores his enduring impact and indomitable spirit, making Aftab Chughtai an inspirational figure in the realms of business and community leadership.
AHMER NAWAZ
I'm Ahmer, representing Fraser Russell Ltd. We proudly operate as a Chartered firm of Accountants and Registered Auditors. Additionally, our expertise extends to the realm of insolvency, and we are well-equipped to provide financial solutions. We envision ourselves as a comprehensive destination for all your financial and compliance needs.
We also assist clients who have a tax investigation by HMRC and we offer tax strategies as qualified Tax Consultants. This includes setting up Group Structures with Holding Companies supported by Subsidiary Companies to maximise tax efficiency.
Our Forensics Team deal with all matters from matrimonial to identifying discrepancies in stock levels and beyond.
My role specifically as Head of Business is to bring new clients on board and to ensure quality service is being provided to existing clientele, as well as managing our team of staff to ensure productivity and accuracy levels are being met.
AULFAT BI
Aulfat is the Head of the Capital Allowances and Land Remediation Relief team at Innovation 4 Business, which is a specialist property tax consultancy. She started off her career as a graduate at Deloitte and has been advising clients on these niche areas of tax for over 20 years. Aulfat oversees all aspects of client service from identifying opportunities, completion of reports and tax advisory work. She is both CTA and ATT qualified, and delivers regular training sessions for other tax professionals, such as accountants and solicitors. Outside of work Aulfat loves to travel to new countries.
FAJLI BIBI
GURDAS SINGH
Gurdas is a multi award-winning marketer known for his dynamic and self-driven approach, with over seven years of experience in the Advertising and Marketing field. He takes pride in his unconventional journey to becoming a recognised marketer, having also established his own ventures. Although he began his marketing journey as a self-taught individual, Gurdas is now on the path to becoming a Chartered Marketer.
Throughout his career, Gurdas has collaborated with renowned global brands, spearheaded successful campaigns, and made significant contributions to diverse industries, including marketing and events.
In addition to his professional pursuits, Gurdas is actively involved in volunteer roles, such as serving as an Executive Committee Member of the ABCC and co-founding and co-hosting the locally acclaimed networking event, The Breakfast Club, which is open to all and serves the community.
Presently, Gurdas leads the newly established marketing support service known as WANAMA. This venture is dedicated to assisting both SMEs and large enterprises in optimising their resources for campaign-based marketing projects, with a particular focus on email marketing and outreach.
HARMESH SINGH POONI
I have been involved in finance, property, and financial services for over 35 years primarily in the City of Birmingham having spent some years in Central London within a Bank and high-end property agency. Qualified as an Independent Financial Advisor with J Rothschilds and have operated my own estate agency and national mortgage packaging operation from the Midlands. Was a member of the IAB (Institute of Asian Businesses) back in the day and honoured to be an Executive Member of the ABCC Board. Keen follower of local sport and a volunteer to grass roots football as an occasional referee.
Live and work in our great City with my wife and grown up set of twins and two cats.
INDY GORAYA
MAL POWAR
MONICA GHAI
Monica is a Solicitor at Shakespeare Martineau LLP and specialises in family law.
Monica can assist with all aspects of divorce and financial remedy proceedings following breakdown of marriage, civil partnership or relationship. She also advises in disputes involving children and domestic abuse. In particular, Monica is often involved in cases where there are complex issues including those with international and cultural elements.
In addition, Monica sits on the Family Law Committee of the Birmingham Law Society and is a Trustee for Anawim Women’s Centre based in Birmingham.
SARTAJ GILL
Sartaj Gill graduated from Brunel University London with a BSc (Hons) in Economics and Accountancy in July 1985. He joined what was then known as Inland Revenue and completed his professional tax qualifications (FTII) in 1991, working as a fully trained HM Inspector of Taxes.
Sartaj spent nearly 20 years in an operational role with Fraud Investigation Service (FIS) which is a specially trained unit within HMRC, set up to tackle the most serious and complex cases involving tax fraud and avoidance. He was an Assistant Director in Offshore, Corporate and Wealthy Compliance involved in senior management, fraud policy and operational procedures, Corporate Criminal Offence (CCO) and an accredited trainer for fraud investigators.
Sartaj Gill left HMRC on 31 December 2020 to set up Housman Consulting, a company offering tax investigation and accountancy services.
TARNBIR ATHWAL
My passion for community and my belief in the power of collaboration drive me in my role as a Executive Board member of the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce. Drawing from my background as a former senior ICT project manager in the NHS and higher education, I am now the Founder of desicity.com, the only online UK e-commerce platform that exclusively focuses on South Asian businesses and brands.
I'm proud to say that desicity.com has received recognition with two Startup Business of the Year awards. It has come a long way, evolving from its early stages as a minimum viable product platform to a thriving marketplace with over 260 sellers and 25,000 products. What makes our platform unique is not only its dedication to South Asian businesses and brands, making desi products more easily accessible, but also our commitment to offering a risk-free gateway to online selling. We operate on a commission-only model with no additional fees.
My involvement with desicity.com showcases my dedication to supporting South Asian businesses. We've created a platform specifically tailored to our community, helping some transition from traditional brick-and-mortar operations to thriving in the digital age. Additionally, our platform actively collaborates with South Asian charities and initiatives, contributing to the betterment of the community we serve.
As a proud ABCC Executive Board member, I am passionate about promoting the ABCC externally, fostering internal opportunities for existing members, and serving as a welcoming point of contact for newcomers. My mission is to maintain and grow the ABCC membership while creating a sense of strength and confidence among our diverse members. The ABCC has been instrumental in supporting the growth of desicity.com through its leadership and members, providing valuable knowledge, experience, networks, and exposure.