Redhotcurry - Money

	TRADE MISSION TO INDIA, 21 - 25 FEBRUARY 2005
	The London Chamber of Commerce and UK Trade and Investment is organising a Trade Mission to the prestigious Gartner BFSI Summit in Mumbai on 24 February 2005 and invite your company to join the mission. A contribution of £550 towards travel costs is available to eligible companies joining this mission. read more

	SKILLED ASIAN WORKERS ARE UNDER USED
	A study published today by Skills for Business reveals employers pay ethnic minority workers less money than their white counterparts. The report shows the average hourly earnings for white men to be £9.03, but this falls to £6.74 for Pakistani men. And this isn't entirely arising from differences in education. read more

	ASIAN WOMEN UNDERPAID SAYS EOC
	Ethnic minority women are well educated but not doing as well financially as their white colleagues according to research launched today by the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC). Ethnic minority women and men, the EOC's new statistical briefing, provides a snapshot from ethnic minority groups. read more

	KARAN BILIMORIA IS LONDON BUSINESSMAN OF THE YEAR
	The London Business Awards has recognised Karan Bilimoria CBE, DL, Founder and Chief Executive of Cobra Beer, as Business Person of the Year 2004. This year, the LCC and The Evening Standard, threw the contest open to the newspaper’s readers. Based on the votes in a telephone poll, Bilimoria was awarded “Business Person of the Year” with 60% of votes. read more

	GLASGOW LOOKS TO PAKISTAN - 24 NOVEMBER 2004
	On 24 November 2004, a seminar on Software Services Opportunities will be held in Glasgow. The seminar will be presented by Hammad Siddiqui from the British Deputy High Commission in Karachi, Pakistan. The software industry within Pakistan is estimated to be worth $25 million. read more

	PAKISTAN PROSPECTS - 23 NOVEMBER 2004
	Pakistan’s growth rate of 6.4% this year has positioned it amongst the world’s four fastest growing economies. Britain already has a special relationship with Pakistan, with exports to Pakistan amounting to £300m in 2003, a market share of about 8.6%. This LCC seminar hopes to give UK businessmen an insight into Pakistan. read more

	LONDON BIDS FOR INDIAN BUSINESSES
	In his address to the conference, which brought together key players from London’s Indian businesses and notable speakers from India in 1 September 2004, the Mayor Ken Livingstone paid tribute to the substantial contribution London’s Indian community makes to London’s economy, culture and creative industries. read more

	REDHOTCURRY SHORTLISTED FOR STARTUPS AWARDS 2004
	Redhotcurry.com has been shortlisted for the Startups Awards 2004, that are dedicated to rewarding and celebrating the best business startups. The awards recognise achievement across 13 categories with the overall winner collecting a £5,000 prize on 15 October. read more

	RICHARD BRANSON IS TOP ROLE MODEL FOR ASIANS!
	Richard Branson has topped the list of UK Asians' most inspirational business role models in a straw poll by the British Library. Six non-Asians also feature in the top ten including Bill Gates and Anita Roddick. A total of 186 people completed the survey, contained in a feedback report at a series of Asian Business Events at the British Library, showcasing the Library's services for entrepreneurs and businesses. read more

	ASIAN JOB APPLICANTS STILL DISCRIMINATED AGAINST
	Ethnic minority applicants are still discriminated against in UK jobs market a study by BBC Radio Five Live suggests. The station mounted an undercover survey lasting ten months, in which dummy CVs were sent out to a wide range of companies in response to recruitment ads. For each vacancy, two applications --- one male and one female were sent. read more

	NINE NEW APPOINTMENTS TO THE SMALL BUSINESS COUNCIL
	Trade and Industry Secretary, Patricia Hewitt, today announced the appointment of nine new members of the Small Business Council (SBC). The new members are: Andre D Ive, John McLaren-Stewart, Ilyas Patel, Sally Preston, Fiona Price, John Reynolds, Sean Taggart, Janice Ward and Candida Whitmill. They will advise on issues affecting small businesses. read more

	CAB ADVICE ON AVOIDING WORKPLACE VICTIMISATION
	The Citizens Advice Bureau is urging anyone who has experienced discrimination at work because of their religious beliefs to contact them for free, confidential advice. New legislation designed to extend protection against discrimination, harassment or victimisation by bosses or colleagues in the workplace to cover religion or belief, was introduced in 2003. read more

	PHARMA FAMILIES: THE KENYAN ASIAN STORY
	Every entrepreneur is supposed to have a different story to tell, but it's not true in the case of the British pharmaceutical distribution industry. The astonishing fact is that six of the most successful companies supplying medicines to Britain's pharmacies and hospitals are owned and managed by Kenyan Asians. It's a story of enterprise overcoming adversity. read more

	THE MAN FROM THE PRIORY - DR. CHAI PATEL
	In January, several tabloids ran news stories claiming that the nation's teenagers were dangerously hooked on text messaging. Almost inevitably, the Priory clinic was linked to the stories, its staff said to be 'bracing themselves' for an influx of texting addicts. Dr Chai Patel CEO of this major supplier of healthcare to the NHS, has been accused of profiteering at the public's expense. David Butcher dispels some myths. read more

	LAKSHMI MITTAL'S RING OF STEEL
	Lakshmi Mittal comes from a wealthy Indian steel family - his father, Mohan Lal Mittal, ran a steel business, Nippon Denro Ispat. For the past 16 years, Lakshmi Mittal, the 'Carnegie from Calcutta' has built a fortune out of steelworks that rivals had thrown on the scrapheap. Bob Jones charts his controversial career. read more

`	GRIFFITHS CELEBRATES SUCCESS AT PHOENIX FUND AWARDS
	Some of Britain's best projects to encourage enterprise in disadvantaged areas were honoured by Small Business Minister, Nigel Griffiths. Eight projects won, including Kiran Mehnaz of Rivaaz Collections, Burnley and the Ethnic Minority Enterprise Sew-East project that works with businesses in the clothing industry of the East End of London. read more

	'THE SILK ROAD TO SUCCESS' - ASIAN ENTREPRENEURS
	A season of panel discussions featuring Asian business leaders and role models including Sir Gulam Noon and film director Shekhar Kapur are being held at the British Library starting on Tuesday 11 May, 6.30 - 8.30pm. Lisa Aziz, Sky News presenter, Parminder Vir, head of diversity at Carlton Television, and Adam Shaw, presenter of BBC Two's Working Lunch will chair the events on 11 May, 29 June & 20 July. read more

	FINANCIAL AID FOR LONDON'S CREATIVE INDUSTRIES
	At the launch of Creative London today (26 April 2004), a major package of support for London's creative industries was announced to boost the capital's reputation and performance as a leading world centre of creativity. This includes: £50 million seed fund launched to support creative businesses, ten creative hubs to be established across London, a property advice service and support from leading creative names. read more

	'RACISM STILL RIFE IN BRITAIN'S WORKPLACES' SAYS TUC
	Racism is still blighting the lives of Britain's black workers, despite the success of schemes like the 'New Deal' which have not benefited black workers as much as their white counterparts. The TUC is calling on the Government to introduce a legal requirement for private sector employers to promote good race relations in their organisations. read more

	MAKING A MINT FROM MOZZARELLA!
	Franchising is becoming an increasingly popular option for business people from ethnic minority backgrounds. Currently 7% of all franchisees in the UK are 'non-white' (source: British Franchise Association 2004) and of new franchisees i.e. those who have held their franchise for two years or less, that proportion has risen to 9%. However within the Domino's Pizza network approximately 40% of its 120 franchisees are from ethnic minority backgrounds. read more

	ASIAN BUSINESS AWARDS 2004
	Winners of the Asian Business Awards 2004, include food manufacturers: Sir Gulam Noon, Charan Gill and Shehzad Husain. Stylist to the celebrities, Kal Kaur Rai snapped up the young achiever award and Jogar Dhinsa was awarded best newcomer. The 'Business of the Year' went to nursing care homes specialist Ramesh Sachdev. read more

	SMALL BUSINESS MINISTER UNVEILS £10.5M FUNDING
	Small Business Minister, Nigel Griffiths, announced £10.5 million funding for 25 schemes that will help to deliver investment to disadvantaged communities around the country. The finance, which comes from the Small Business Service's (SBS) 'Phoenix Challenge Fund', will boost entrepreneurship amongst deprived areas by providing continued support to the of Community Development Finance Institutions (CDFIs). read more

	CASH BOOST FOR NEW ETHNIC ENTREPRENEURSHIP CENTRE
	A new centre of expertise which aims to develop world class research into ethnic minority entrepreneurship has been boosted by a £115,000 grant. The Centre for Research in Ethnic Minority Entrepreneurship (CREME) at De Montfort University's Leicester Business School won the funding from the East Midlands Development Agency (EMDA). read more

	HEWITT WELCOMES IMPROVED BUSINESS LINK PERFORMANCE
	The Secretary of State today spoke at the Federation of Small Business (FSB) conference in Blackpool where she welcomed new figures showing improved performance in the Business Link network. She also welcomed the Chancellor's budget statement which outlined measures for the delivery of regional and local Business Link services. read more

	SMALL BUSINESSES SHOULD BE AWARE OF EQUALITY LAWS
	The Commission for Racial Equality today emphasised that being positive about racial equality makes good business sense. Addressing the annual Federation of Small Businesses conference, CRE Chair, Trevor Phillips, stressed the CRE's desire to help small businesses become prosperous. read more

	RACIAL EQUALITY AND THE SMALL BUSINESS - A GUIDE
	The CRE has launched a new CD-ROM guide for small businesses. 'Racial equality and the smaller business - a guide' offers clear, practical advice to help businesses develop policies and procedures that avoid unlawful discrimination and ensure equality. read more

	ALL THE GLITTERS IS GOLD! - BOLLYWOOD FUND LAUNCHED
	Media Vision Management has launched a new Investment Fund - 'The Bollywood Media and Entertainment Fund - offering investors the chance to invest in film production in India. read more

	'HER BUSINESS' PROJECT LAUNCHED
	The Her Business project was launched on 20 February, with over 300 female entrepreneurs attending the launch event in East London. The EU funded project is offering a child-friendly networking environment, inspirational business speakers and opportunities to speak to a business advisor. read more

	ASIAN BUSINESSES ARE MOST ENTERPRISING
	Members of the Asian community are twice as likely as mainstream Londoners to start up their own businesses in the next three years according to a new survey conducted by Business Link for London. 'The 2004 Londoneurs Survey', is an opinion poll of 250 Londoners, building a picture of where people seek business advice, how they plan to raise money for starting up, as well as their recipes for success. read more

	BRITS TO CAPTURE 10% OF INDIAN TRACTOR MARKET
	Trantor(r) Vehicles Ltd, a small tractor manufacturer in Lancashire, has signed a deal with one of the leading tractor manufacturers in India . Under the agreement, HMT will manufacture Trantor Vehicles' tractors in its 850-acres Pinjore-Haryana factory complex in India and sell them through its 400 dealers across the subcontinent. read more

	TRANSPORT COSTS SOAR FOR UK HOUSEHOLDS
	The average UK household spent £406 per week in 2002-03 with transport being the largest area of expenditure according to the latest Expenditure and Food Survey. The average household spends £59 per week on transport, including buying and running vehicles as well as public transport fares. Spending on recreation represented the second highest outgoing. read more

	LONDON'S SME'S HELD BACK BY POOR MANAGEMENT
	Management weaknesses and insufficient business planning appear to be hindering the performance of London businesses. Although the independent survey of more than 4,000 London firms showed that the capital's businesses were faring well despite tough economic conditions, it also showed how much better they could do if they adopted basic management practices. read more

	YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS GIVE SOMETHING BACK
	Four young entrepreneurs have joined forces to put something back into the community. Tauqir Ahmed, Raza Sharif, Sohail Khan & Conrad Wilson have formed an organisation called Learn 4 Work to give free computer training to disadvantaged people, helping them find jobs in IT. read more

	HEALTH & SAFETY EXECUTIVE TELLS ASIANS TO WORKSMART
	The Health & Safety executive have launched a new TV mini-series, entitled 'Work Smart' targeted at UK Asians. The new real-life 'Work Smart' mini-programmes on health and safety, all featuring Asian participants, last 45 seconds, and feature a personal story about a health or safety incident in the workplace. read more

	REMOVING REGULATORY BURDEN ON BUSINESS
	The Government's Regulatory Reform Action Plan, announced today by the Chancellor in his Pre Budget Report, has over 650 deregulatory measures to benefit business, charities and the public services. The plan brings together reforms to simplify and remove existing burdens across government. read more

	ASIANS FAIL TO REACH THE TOP
	What does it take to reach the top position in Britain's Corporate Sector? Are a good education and ambition enough to guarantee you a fast-track route? Or do Asians actively opt-out of the corporate sector preferring to "go it alone" as entrepreneurs? These and many other issues were discussed by CRE chair Trevor Phillips who described the "snowy peaks" syndrome as a trend that characterises the private sector. read more

	ASIAN BUSINESS ASSOCIATION - CELEBRATION OF FESTIVALS
	The London Chamber of Commerce Asian Business Association held its Celebration of Festivals on Monday 1 December 2003 at Clerkenwell's Cafe Lazeez restaurant. Nearly 200 guests enjoyed an evening of targeted networking, strengthening business relations with food and drink! read more

	ALL WORK, LOW PAY
	The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Inland Revenue have launched a new video "All Work, Low Pay" which is a short drama to help people from ethnic minority backgrounds understand their entitlement to the National Minimum Wage. The National Minimum Wage was introduced on 1 April 1999. The current rates are £4.50 per hour for workers aged 22 and over. read more

	BUSINESS LINK FOR LONDON APPOINTS ASIAN CHAIRMAN
	Business Link for London, the small business advice and support service for the capital, has appointed Asian, Afzal Akram as it's new non-executive Chairman to succeed Alan Coates. Afzal, at 35 years of age, is one of the youngest people to be appointed as Chairman of a private/public sector Board and is also an inaugural member, having served as a non-executive Director. read more

	SONAR - A JEWEL OF EAST LONDON
	The launch of the SONAR project, by Newham's College's Centre for Innovation & Partnerships (CIPS) and the Newham Chamber of Commerce, may ensure a sparkling future for East London's new and established jewellery designers, manufacturers and retailers. CIPs decided to extend its support, via Sonar, to the local jewellery traders in Green Street. read more

	"BRINGING SPACE DOWN TO EARTH"
	While most of us have high tech dreams of one sort or another, few are able to translate their dreams into reality. Well that has all changed. When it comes to successful businesses, Mohan Ahad, Candace Johnson, and Partha Dey demonstrate that the sky is merely another frontier to be crossed. They reach beyond the skies for their gratification. read more

	BRITISH ASIANS & CORPORATE CITIZENSHIP
	Issues such as the role of business in society, the behaviour of global firms, the contributions of ethnic minorities, and the prospects for racial integration and community cohesion are very much in the news these days. To discuss many of these issues, The Centre for Social Markets (CSM) held its National Conference on 15 October 2003 at the IOD in London. read more

	HEWITT URGES TOP COMPANIES TO BE MORE RACE AWARE
	Trade and Industry Secretary Patricia Hewitt today wrote to 500 of Britain's top companies to urge them to join Race for Opportunity (RFO).The RFO organisation offers specialist support and advice to British businesses, and provides benchmarking to rate how ethnic minorities are treated in companies as employees and as customers. read more

	ALL BOYS AGAIN FOR "BUSINESS OSCARS"!
	The 120 finalists competing for the 2003 UK "Business Oscars" were announced today (30 September 2003). Although ethnic minorities are represented with Shelim Hussain of EuroFoods UK and Surinder Arora of Arora Holdings competing for the Entrepreneur of the Year Award, there are no women shortlisted in the Business Leader of the Year category. read more

	ASIAN WOMEN STILL FACE OBSTACLES IN BUSINESS
	Women from minority ethnic backgrounds still have to overcome social, cultural and institutional obstacles if they want to start their own businesses according to research carried out by Manchester Metropolitan University Business School. The survey of two groups of women from the Oldham and Rochdale areas looked at their motivations for starting a business. read more

	ASIAN WOMEN ENTREPRENERUS ON THE "INSIDE TRACK"
	DAWN, the hub for dynamic Asian women, today announced the launch of its very first Entrepreneurs Programme. Heavily subsidised, the £50 five-session programme (worth £200 to other delegates) is designed to help Asian women develop new concepts and plan business ideas. Sessions run from October 4th to November 8th 2003. read more

	MUMS & HOUSEWIVES DRIVE FEMALE ENTREPRENEURSHIP
	Mums and housewives are an important source of female entrepreneurs. Non-working women are just as likely to start a business as those in work, unlike men in the same position, according to Barclays figures. Barclays quarterly Start-ups and Closures survey reveals that 2.5 per cent of working women in England and Wales are in the process of starting a business. read more

	TIE UK ANNOUNCES AUTUMN 2003 BUSINESS EVENTS
	TiE UK, a non-profit global network of entrepreneurs and professionals, has announced its Autumn 2003 season of business events. On 17th September, former Bank of England Monetary Policy Committee member, Sushil Wadwani who will discuss the Global Economy. read more

	BFA CALLS FOR MORE ETHNIC FRANCHISEES
	As part of National Franchise Week (8-14 September), the British Franchise Association (BFA) is hosting a free all-day seminar event in Birmingham entitled "Creating Equal Access to Franchising" on Wednesday 10 September. The event is targeted at growing the number of minority groups in franchising. read more

	UK BUSINESSES NEED TO EMBRACE DIVERSITY IN HR
	UK employers risk skills shortages, recruitment and retention problems and costly tribunal claims if they fail to promote equality and value diversity claim the organisers of Job Scene - a recruitment roadshow. Research by Opportunity Now states that by 2010 only 20 per cent of the UK working population will be white, male, able-bodied and under 45. read more

	FAIR TERMS FOR LONDON'S PUBLIC SECTOR WORKERS
	Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone, today welcomed representatives of London Boroughs and trade unions to City Hall to discuss the promotion of fair employment in public sector procurement. Speaking at the seminar, he gave the example of two contractors who had agreed to a fair employment clause in their contracts with the Greater London Authority. read more

	BRITISH LIBRARY OFFERS UK ASIAN BUSINESS INFORMATION
	A new section providing comprehensive coverage of the UK's Asian business and cultural resources has gone live on the British Library's website. About 75% of all convenience and off-trade outlets in the UK are Asian owned, highlighting the importance of Asian businesses to the UK economy. read more

	BILL CLINTON CHALLENGES UK ASIAN ENTREPRENEURS
	Former US President Bill Clinton has challenged UK Asian entrepreneurs to use their success and position to make a difference in their local communities and in the Indian sub-continent. "Communities cannot live in isolation if we are to address racial and cultural intolerances," he said, speaking at the ABi Annual luncheon at the Royal Opera House on July 3 2003. read more

	TWO NOTABLE ASIANS NAMED 'ENTREPRENEURS OF THE YEAR'
	Karan Bilimoria of Cobra Beer and Bharat Shah of Sigma Pharmaceuticals were among those recognised for their 'exceptional entrepreneurial skills' at this year's Ernst & Young UK Entrepreneur of the Year Awards (London & Central Region respectively). Mr Bilimoria beat off stiff competition to win the Consumer Products Award. read more

	CURRY ON THE MENU AT INTERNATIONAL FOOD FAIR
	Asian and Black food businesses were given the chance to meet trade buyers face to face yesterday, thanks to Business Link for London and Foodwise, who staged a "Meet the Buyer" International Food Fair in Borough Market, near London Bridge. The event was designed so that suppliers could make business contacts and network. read more

	NARAYANA MURTHY - WORLD ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
	Indian billionaire, Narayana Murthy, who started his software company 22 years ago with US$250 and who still lives in a modest apartment was named Ernst & Young's 2003 World Entrepreneur Of The Year (WEOY) at an award ceremony in Monte Carlo on 7th June 2003. Mr Murthy is the first Indian and seventeeth WEOY winner. read more