Asian Business awards to return with landmark 40th anniversary gala dinner
The widely contested Asian Business Chamber of Commerce (ABCC) awards will return in 2027, with a revamped structure and a gala dinner to celebrate 40 years of ABCC.
The new-look event will take place at Birmingham Town Hall on 10 March 2027.
Applications are now open for four award categories, replacing previous formats:
- Asian Legacy & Heritage Award
- Excellence in Asian Business Award
- Asian Vision & Innovation Award
- Community Impact Award
ABCC president Monica Ghai will also hand over a 40th Year Grand Award to a business that has gone above and beyond in supporting Asian Businesses.
The Asian Legacy Award honours longstanding businesses in the region who has significantly contributed to the community and the economy. This award is only open to businesses which have been trading for a minimum of 15 years as of 10 March 2027.
The Excellence in Asian Business award celebrates organisations which demonstrate strong growth, innovation, and leadership. It is open to businesses of any size and sector.
Businesses shaping the future of Asian enterprise with pioneering new technologies, markets or sustainable practices, and those developing talent and leadership will be celebrated through the Asian Vision & Innovation award.
The Community Impact award recognises an individual or organisation that has made a meaningful and lasting contribution to the community it serves. It is open to both Asian and non-Asian owned businesses working with Asian communities.
Speaking about the new look awards, ABCC president Monica Ghai said: “As we mark the 40th anniversary of the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce, it felt like the right time to reimagine our flagship awards while staying true to the values that have shaped our journey.
“Our refreshed award categories celebrate every stage of business success, from recognising the legacy of long-established organisations to championing innovation, excellence and community impact. They reflect the diversity, resilience and ambition that define Asian businesses across our region today.
“The introduction of the 40th Year Grand Award is a fitting tribute to an organisation or individual whose contribution has gone above and beyond in supporting our business community. We look forward to celebrating not only the achievements of today, but also the legacy that will inspire the next generation.”
Formed in 1987, the ABCC was first known as Institute of Asian Businesses (IAB), which was set up in the wake of the Handsworth Riots where many Asian businesses were destroyed.
After the riots, local Asian businessmen approached the Handsworth Task Force, with the idea of setting up an employer’s body which could represent and advance the interests of ethnic businesses. A study into this idea was sanctioned by the Department of Trade and Industry in 1986.
The result was the establishment of the Institute of Asian Businesses, on 25 November 1987, under the chairmanship of the late Omkar Parmar.
In 2015, the IAB was renamed Asian Business Chamber of Commerce (ABCC) to reflect its close association with the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce.
ABCC manager Katrina Raipuri said: “The 40th anniversary of the ABCC is a significant milestone and an opportunity to reflect on the remarkable journey of our organisation. From its beginnings as the Institute of Asian Businesses in 1987, founded to give Asian businesses a stronger voice during a challenging period, the Chamber has grown into a respected and influential network that continues to champion enterprise across the region.
“While we are proud of our history, this anniversary is equally about looking ahead. The gala dinner will celebrate four decades of resilience, collaboration and achievement, while bringing together the businesses, leaders and communities that continue to shape the next chapter of the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce.
“It promises to be a truly special evening that honours our past while embracing an exciting future.”
Applications are now open with the deadline set at 1 November.
General sale tickets are priced at £125 + VAT while an Earlybird corporate table of 10 is priced at £1,000 + VAT until 30 November 2026. Afterwards, a table of 10 will be priced at £1,200 plus VAT.
Visit the dedicated ABCC Awards webpage for more information. For any queries including sponsorship packages, email ABCCAwards@birmingham-chamber.com
Pictured: Winners of ABCC Awards 2025
