Continuing to build a solid economy for future generations and promises of a diversity review of Britain’s boardrooms were just some of issues that took centre stage in front of 300 prominent members of the Asian Business community on Tuesday night.
Conservative MP Sajid Javid and Labour MP and Shadow Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills Chuka Umunna were both guest speakers at KPMG’s 11th Annual Asian Festival Dinner in London where they addressed successful business owners from the Asian business community.
In their speeches Mr Umunna and Mr Javid spoke of the importance of having aspirations for our young workers and private business owners and entrepreneurs. Mr Umunna and Mr Javid spoke passionately about how they identified with the work ethic and priorities demonstrated by Asian businesses who championed the building of a prosperous economy for future generations.
Mr Umunna announced at the dinner that, if Labour is elected in 2015, Lord Mervyn Davies has agreed to lead a review on ethnic diversity in business leadership, which Mr Umunna said he hoped would do for ethnic diversity in business exactly what Lord Davies' review on gender diversity did for that issue.
Commenting on the evening, Nina Amin, MBE, KPMG Partner said :
“We were delighted that both Sajid and Chuka were able to join us. Both MPs recognised the hugely valuable role that Asian businesses play as employers and wealth generators in the UK and the tremendous examples they are to our younger generation of ambitious business people.
“Diversity and aspiration were central themes for both speakers, who have themselves compelling social mobility stories to tell.
“It is obvious that opening opportunities for young people, regardless of their backgrounds is absolutely central to creating a much more interesting, skilled and successful Britain of the future."
