ABCC president Jason steps down - co-presidents named
Dr Jason Wouhra OBE has reluctantly decided to step down early as president of the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce (ABCC) - and he will be succeeded by two co-presidents.
The chief executive of Lioncroft Wholesale Limited (T/A East End Wholesale Stores), one of the largest wholesale businesses in the UK, will be succeeded by Amina Hussain, who becomes the first female British Bangladeshi president, and Omar Rashid.
Jason (pictured), who became president in 2020, said: “I have given this deep thought and I have reluctantly come to the conclusion that I must step down early as ABCC president, due to my personal business commitments.
“Since selling East End Foods to PE and then buying back the wholesale arm of the business through the company Lioncroft Wholesale Limited, I really wish to focus on the future development of the business.
“I have been involved with the Chamber and ABCC since its formation and the Institute of Asian Businesses before that throughout my business life and I will continue to be associated with them.
“There is a great team with big ambitions at the ABCC supported by Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC).
“Being President of the ABCC has been a tremendous privilege and over the past two years we have achieved a great deal at the ABCC, successfully tackling the Covid-19 crisis for businesses and managing through a tough business landscape as well as hosting a successful and first ever hybrid and online ABCC awards.
“And throughout my term I had tremendous support from the committee and director Anjum Khan. ”
During Jason 's tenure there were extensive reforms at the ABCC under director Anjum Khan, including a review of the membership offering and proposition.
Anjum Khan said: “We are, of course greatly disappointed that Jason has had to stand down early but know that we will still be able to draw on his wise counsel. During his tenure as president, he reinvigorated the ABCC and introduced reforms that will sustain us for many years to come. ”
Jason was awarded an OBE in the Queen 's Birthday Honours in 2017 for his services to business and international trade.
Anjum added: “We are grateful to Amina and Omar for stepping in and, of course, they could re-stand for re-election together or as individuals at the AGM. We wish them every success in their role as co-presidents. ”
Amina said: “I am delighted to step up as co-president of the ABCC. Being the first female British Bangladeshi in history to have gained this position is incredible and I am truly grateful.
“Omar and I, together with our existing executive board committee members, will work tirelessly to collaborate to bring together a bigger, and a much bolder Asian business community, increasing diversity. ”
Omar said: “I always hoped to become president of the ABCC one day and feel proud that this day has come. It 's an amazing challenge and a challenge I 'm confident myself and Amina can be successful in. ”
Amina is a qualified accountant at SME Outsourcing with over 24 years ' experience in accountancy, taxation, insolvency and forensic accounting.
She is also a member of The Leaders Council of Great Britain and Ireland where she is able to participate in round table discussions which are heard at a parliamentary level.
Omar was born and bred in Smethwick, wanted to be a cricketer. Instead he studied accountancy at Coventry University and gained a Masters in HR Management.
He works closely with SMEs from various sectors and won Outstanding Start-up Business at the ABCC Awards in 2018. Omar also co-hosts a business networking event at Everyman Cinema called The Breakfast Club and is a radio presenter on Unity FM with a show called The Business Hour.