Business Weekly - Cambridge, UK

Almost 200 Asian executives from the area attended and praised the bank’s efforts in drawing together the Asian community and forging strong business networks.

This kind of partnership approach to community and business would encourage more Asian entrepreneurs, a keynote speaker said.

Dinesh Raja, managing partner at Bowling & Co Solicitors in Stratford said that this kind of cultural and business exchange was “invaluable in establishing the universal currency of business – networking.”

He added: “In order to create a level playing field, it is important that Asian businesses are able to share their successes and also their failures. And, of course, the best way to achieve this kind of discourse is through effective networking.

“The Asian celebration organised by Lloyds TSB was very important, not only in providing an opportunity to hone these skills, but also in the way the guest list was put together.

“I personally found it very useful as it was an opportunity to meet and get to know professionals from right across my immediate community in East London. Targeted, local networking is perhaps the most important means by which to build a cohesive business community.”

Tariq Khan, business partner to Raja Khan, owner of I Scene/Bollywood Bowling & Grill added: “The buzz was amazing and everybody there was very happy. These events are useful because they bring the bank closer to the community in a friendlier and different atmosphere outside of a working environment.

“We moved to Lloyds TSB Corporate Markets six months ago. I found that their approach was slightly different to other high street banks. We had not been very happy at all at our previous bank, so I met with Lloyds TSB and discussed my business after which I gave them a proposal. Within a few days they had got in touch and passed the proposal through very quickly.”

Lloyds TSB banks more Asian businesses than any other bank.

Richard Hughes, relationship director for Lloyds TSB Corporate Markets at its Essex/Thames Gateway head office in Chelmsford, said Asian entrepreneurs were vital to the growth of the UK economy.

He said: “New figures show that British Asians – representing just 2.5 per cent of the population – now produce 10 per cent of the UK’s GDP; that amounts to a contribution of more than £100 billion.

“Lloyds TSB is heavily involved with banking the Asian business community and the event in Ilford was a celebration of this exciting alliance and a portent of the potential for further collaboration.”