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Breaking down cultural barriers By Jon Griffin


Rising numbers of Asian women in Birmingham are taking the plunge to start their own businesses –overcoming long-standing cultural barriers to fulfil their dreams. Anjum Khan, director of the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce, said more and more women – including Asian entrepreneurs - were seeking to make their business ambitions reality in the 21st century workplace. Anjum was a special guest on the BBC Asian


Network’s Fabulous Women programme to highlight the issues facing women of all races in today’s workplace, alongside Farzana Baduel of Curzon public relations and Shalini Bhalla, of ‘Just Jhoom’ dance-training. And she urged all would-be entrepreneurs of


all races to ensure they are ready for the marketplace by seeking expert advice. “If you have got an idea, do not let gender, race


or religion come into it. If you are passionate, go for it but always make sure that you do your market research and talk to the experts.”


Fabulous women (from left):


Shalini Bhalla,


Anjum Khan and Farzana Baduel


Anjum said the BBC programme revealed


gender was ‘not a major issue’ for entrepreneurs. “There was no significant difference between men and women in terms of entrepreneurship and career choices. Access to finance is still key – we looked at markets, finance, the legalities of running a business.


“It is important that people realise that there


are a lot of services out there. Whether you are a corporate or a start-up, the Chamber can help.” Statistics show that 39 per cent of working age


women in Birmingham are from ethnic minorities, the highest of any major city, and three times the national rate.


Telephone: 01543 414808/07824 848444 Email: office@streethaywharf.co.uk Web: www.streethaywharf.co.uk


May 2016 CHAMBERLINK 39


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