ABCC


Updates and useful information from the largest ethnic support organisation in the UK


Contact: Anjum Khan T: 0845 6036650


In Brief


South Asian caterers Mahirs Experience has secured a partnership deal with the British Motor Museum, the world’s biggest collection of historic cars. The museum, which has more than 300


exhibits, is based at Gaydon, Warwickshire, and caters for a variety of private and corporate events including South Asian weddings and other celebrations. West Bromwich-based Mahirs is one of


three firms contracted to deliver South Asian events at the museum. Lisa Locke, bookings manager at the museum, said: “The British Motor Museum is a unique and modern setting for a wedding reception, with the added benefit of guests being able to visit the museum on the day as part of the experience. “Asian clientele can expect a seamless,


efficient, five-star experience from our team and our three exclusive partners.”


South & City College Birmingham principal Mike Hopkins has received an award in recognition of his contributions in addressing equality and diversity within the college. The award is from specialist British Pakistani


satellite channel A1TV, who said Mr Hopkins was given the award due to his active role within the community, and also for his focus on supporting staff and students with education and training. Mike said: “At South and City College Birmingham, we work incredibly hard to create an inclusive culture that supports all of our students in educational development. I, therefore, feel extremely honoured to have received this award for addressing equality and diversity within the College.”


An annual festival which celebrates Indian classical music has been held once again in Solihull. The Birmingham Thyagaraja Festival (BTF),


now in its fifth year, commemorated the 172nd birthday of the singing saint and composer Thyagaraja. The festival featured more than 50 participants from all across the UK, artistes from India, US and Canada, which included children and young adults, alongside professionals. The event was supported by the Consul General of India in Birmingham and also Touchwood Solihull, Solihull Business Improvement District (BID), the Chamber and others. Among those attending were Lord Lieutenant


Mr John Crabtree, Dr Aman Puri, Consul General of India in Birmingham, Dr Paul Sabapathy, patron of event organiser Shruthi UK. Dr Chithra Ramakrishnan said: “Festivals


such as the BTF help people to connect in a much better way through their culture and traditions. As an artist, I feel it is my responsibility to take these classical art forms to wider communities and to unite all of us through music and dance.”


42 CHAMBERLINK June 2019


Huge funding boost for local businesses


A regional business lender is celebrating a ‘phenomenal’ year as its support for small businesses in the West Midlands surged with a thirty-eight per cent growth in lending. BCRS Business Loans lent a massive £7.2m in


the last financial year as part of its aim ‘to leave no viable business unsupported.’ Confirmed as its best-ever year of lending, the


not-for-profit lender was able to support the growth of 153 businesses that wouldn’t otherwise have been able access finance from traditional sources. BCRS chief Paul Kalinauckas said: “Lending


£7.2m is a massive achievement for us and one that we are incredibly proud of. We have smashed through our original target of increasing our lending by 25 per cent. “This is testament to the hard work and


dedication from the whole team, who are committed to supporting small businesses with their funding needs.


‘It is the socio-economic impact of our lending that motivates us on a daily basis’


“It is the socio-economic impact of our


lending that really motivates us on a daily basis and the knowledge that businesses are able to achieve their goals and grow. Our lending has helped create an additional 411 jobs and safeguard almost 500 jobs this year, which has provided a significant boost to the West Midlands economy.” BCRS Business Loans says it is the largest


responsible finance provider in the West Midlands and, along with being a delivery partner for the Midlands Engine Investment


Paul Kalinauckas: A ‘phenomenal’ year for BCRS


Fund, recently secured an additional £15m for lending through the Community Investment Enterprise Facility. Mr Kalinauckas said: “We want small


businesses to know that we believe in them. We understand that they are looking for a fast, personal, relationship-based approach to lending with the added benefit of no early repayment fees. We offer loans from £10,000 to £150,000 to business who are struggling to secure some or all of the finance they need from traditional lenders. “The hard work doesn’t stop here. With an


excellent team in place and continued demand from SMEs, we are planning to increase our lending by 25 per cent this next financial year as well.”


Cancer charity wins £50,000


Ovarian cancer charity Ovacome has won nearly £50,000 of National Lottery funding to build a satellite support base in the West Midlands for women, their families and carers dealing with the disease. The charity is using the grant to appoint a


staff member based in Birmingham. This will enable it to reach more women in the Midlands and beyond. This person will be working alongside


community support groups and other local charities to increase awareness of ovarian cancer. Victoria Clare, the charity’s chief executive,


said: “This is a huge success and an immense step towards ensuring that those affected by ovarian cancer across the UK have access to expert information and specialised support.


“As a less common form of cancer, a diagnosis


of ovarian cancer can often be a very isolating experience, and many women will never meet another person with the disease. “I am beyond delighted that the charity can now


give even greater support in the Midlands, creating a space for those affected by the disease to share experiences and offer each other encouragement, friendship, knowledge and understanding.” Joe Ferns, UK funding director at The National


Lottery Community Fund, said: “The People’s Projects highlights the fantastic things communities are doing across the UK to enable people to thrive. In every village, town and city, local groups are working together to turn great ideas into reality and deliver the change people want to see in their area.”


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