New Asian Business Chamber committee members appointed at AGM

The Asian Business Chamber of Commerce (ABCC) executive committee welcomed two new members yesterday at the Annual General Meeting (AGM).

The AGM was held at Chamber headquarters with the attendance of members and guests.

Sana Saddique, solicitor and director at Collective Law Solicitors, and Trina Tiernan, work-related and employability manager at Joseph Chamberlain Sixth Form College, were newly appointed to the executive committee.

Omar Rashid will continue as president along with vice presidents Neelam Afzal, partner and employment law solicitor of Wildings Solicitors and Sapreena Kumari.

Other committee members include;

• Aftab Chughtai: Partner at Aftabs
• Ahmer Nawaz: Head of business development at Fraser Russell Limited
• Aulfat Bi: Head of capital allowance at Innovate 4 Business
• Gurdas Singh: Marketing professional at WANAMA Limited
• Monica Ghai: Associate at Shakespeare Martineau
• Sartaj Gill: Director, head of Tax Investigation at Housman Consulting Ltd

Speaking at the AGM, president Omar Rashid said: “The past 12 months has been challenging as well as truly enjoyable. As a board, we have had fun and worked hard in laying the ground work for initiatives to be launched in the next 12 months.

“We have also seen Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce move into modern new offices, launch a brand-new website and continue to run numerous successful events within the region.

“The ABCC ran highly successful festivals and member social events while onboarding three new Patrons: Forward Carers, Gloss and Kids Village. Our annual dinner and awards in November highlighted the best within the Asian Business Community

“We also collaborated at the Asian Lifestyle Show and with the West Midlands Tax Group. 

“Moving forward to the next 12 months, I welcome Trina Tiernan and Sana Saddique as our two new Executive Board members who no doubt will bring fresh ideas and support.

“Businesses continue to face the challenges of cost of living, business and energy rates, investment opportunities and recruitment to ensure they are in a position to continue to grow.

“My board will be exploring and strengthening new and existing partnerships and collaboration opportunities to provide the necessary support Asian businesses require.

“We look forward to our three festival events, six member-only socials and our annual dinner and awards over the next 12 months.

“I encourage all members to actively participate and engage with us. We want to be part of your journey. We want you to maximise your membership and it’s benefits.

ABCC director Anjum Khan said: “The ABCC stands as a dynamic force within the Greater Birmingham business landscape, serving as a prominent network for the region's Asian business community.

"The addition of new committee members brings a diverse set of skills, industry experience, and perspectives to the helm of this influential Chamber, setting the stage for an exciting year ahead.

“The new committee members bring a wide range of skills, industry experience and perspectives to the leadership of this influential organisation - it’s set to be an exciting year.

“I am confident that the new committee will continue champion the Asian business community in the region, emerging as a leading voice in our collective journey."

The ABCC has over 180 members while 1250 delegates have attended ABCC events last year.

Pictured seated from left to right: Sana Saddique, Sapreena Kumari and Neelam Afzal

Pictured standing from left to right: Ahmer Nawaz, Gurdas Singh, Omar Rashid, Trina Tiernan, Anjum Khan, Aulfat Bi, Sartaj Gill, and Monica Ghai.