ABCC
Updates and useful information from the largest ethnic support organisation in the UK
Contact: Anjum Khan T: 0845 6036650
Chamber extends
campaign of support Asian Business Chamber of Commerce (ABCC) has extended its campaign providing guidance to firms which have struggled to access Covid- 19 related support. The ABCC’s Business Support Campaign aims
to help West Midlands-based businesses owners, for whom English is not their first language, break down barriers to accessing Covid-19 support and guidance. A second phase of the campaign, which will
run for six weeks, has been launched, which will provide more support and guidance on Covid- secure measures. It has also received support from the West Midlands Combined Authority and Birmingham City Council. The campaign offers information on Covid-19
guidance and new regulations and support for businesses in English, Bengali, Urdu and Punjabi. The Chamber will also be undertaking an engagement campaign with local community organisations and Asian media outlets, ensuring it reaches even more of the Asian business community. Alongside the new resources, the Chamber
will continue to operate its dedicated hotline, launched in the part of the first phase of the campaign, which manages enquiries and are handled by a multilingual business adviser. ABCC director Anjum Khan said: “The ABCC’s
Business Support campaign has been really critical in engaging more members of the Asian business community with guidance and advice that is crucial to their survival. “The second phase of our campaign will
provide even more dedicated resources, in a variety of languages, specifically targeted to help businesses be Covid-secure and help them better understand national and local guidelines. “Any business that is looking for support
should call the hotline for advice on 0121 274 3280.
Wholesale firm boss named as president
The director of one of the UK’s biggest wholesale business is the new president of the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce (ABCC). Jason Wouhra has succeeded Qasim Majid,
who has served as ABCC president for the past two years. Mr Wouhra is chief executive of Lionscroft Wholesale Ltd T/A East End Wholesale Stores and holds a number of prominent positions across Birmingham. His other roles include being a governor of
Aston University and non-executive director of University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Trust, as well as past and present chairmanships of the West Midlands India Partnership, Library of Birmingham Advisory Board, Birmingham Child Poverty Commission and Aston University Development Board. He joined East End Foods after completing his
law degree in 1998 and was director and company secretary until the company’s sale to a private equity firm in 2019. However, he and his
Accountant’s Covid struggle
An Asian accountant has spoken of her struggle to help small businesses deal with Covid-19, while dealing with the illness herself. Amina Hussain, founder of SME Outsourcing, said: “I recognise that within the current market,
businesses and individuals are struggling to sustain either their workforce, having financial issues and disputes, and also do not have the support to progress their business growth. Ms Hussain, an ABCC executive board committee member, said she had witnessed first-hand
of the effects of Covid-19, and how it had drastically impacted small businesses. “I was tested positive back in March 2020 during the lockdown while her services were in
demand. As I struggled with ill health, I had a dedicated team to support me with the new enforced guidance issued by the government in particularly, the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, Self Employed Income Support Scheme and grants that have been available for small businesses. “While recovering from the virus, I continued to provide an undisrupted service to existing
clients and also gained 20 per cent of business growth.” Ms Hussain was recently featured on ZMC Network TV, alongside former ABCC president
Qasim Majid, in a campaign to support hard to reach businesses, especially those with language barriers, to encourage them to come forward for free business support service. She has also teamed up with law firm Lawrence Kurt Solicitors to provide a wide range of services for businesses needing help and support.
42 CHAMBERLINK October 2020
father Jas Wouhra retook charge of the wholesale business earlier this year. Jason Wouhra said: “I’m delighted to be appointed as president of the ABCC, having been involved with the Chamber and ABCC for many years through my business life. “This is a particularly challenging time for businesses and communities, especially with the current Covid-19 pandemic, the impact of which we have all experienced in recent months. “We represent a vast cross-section of the
region’s diverse group of businesses and I am proud to have the opportunity to help develop and support all of the very valuable work which has been achieved by the ABCC over the years. “I would like to thank my predecessor Qasim
Majid, his committee and director Anjum Khan for the sterling work they have done to promote diversity in the region and beyond. I very much relish the opportunity to build on their achievements and take the ABCC to new heights.”
Este Medical Group
opens new branch A Birmingham-based skin and hair transplant company has opened a new branch in Leeds. Portland Road-based Este Medical Group has opened its new branch at Elmete Hall, Elmete Lane, Leeds. Elmete Hall is a Grade II listed country house,
which dates back to 1815 when it was built by the Nicholson family, who later sold it to renowned local engineer James Kitson. Este founder Sam Cinkir said: “We do not
compete with anyone except ourselves. “Myself and the entire Este team are
dedicated to raising standards within medical aesthetics. Moving into Elmete is just the beginning of our 2020-21 expansion. “2020 has presented challenges to every
British business and we were not exempt, but we have never stopped believing in our potential.”
New hand on the tiller: Jason Wouhra with ABCC director Anjum Khan
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