The annual Finance, Banking and Investor magazine was launched at the Churchill Hall on 4 July, as the celebration of the American Independence Day was observed in different quarters of the world. The magazine, which was called Finance, Banking and Insurance magazine for 18 years, went through a slight change of title this year, to incorporate as well as elaborate on the growing importance of UK-India bilateral trade and investment.
The annual FBI magazine published by Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar covers a range of financial products and services. This year, the focus were on three major aspects of the ever changing face of UK’s financial market- technology, start-ups and the UK-India bilateral relationship, that has grown of utmost importance with the current political scenario both in India and UK.
While the probability of a no-deal Brexit has depreciated the value of pound, recent reports suggest that UK’s overall economic outlook has improved. In fact, a study by the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry has shown 20% of London businesses have reported 20% sales increase over the last three months, very similar to London’s export business, which were up by 21%.
Speaking at the event, Publisher/Editor CB Patel said, “When the Asians came to this country, most of us had nothing. Today if you look at the richest man of the UK- you will know what the diaspora has achieved over the years.
“The threat to the financial market caused by the current political turmoil in UK is real. But we have seen so much more, therefore we are hugely resilient. I have full faith in our innovative and dynamic businesses, who will undoubtedly continue to create wealth.
“Our community will grow as long as we are competitive. The upcoming days are challenging. But our contributions could actually help the UK to overcome the hurdles.
“However, there is a paradigm shift in how people conduct businesses today, with relationships relying on faster delivery and technology. UK is home to may startups including a number of tech companies. One such success story, a major ‘unicorn’ company is Starling Bank, a digital, mobile-only bank based in the UK, who is our key sponsor for this edition of the magazine.”
The magazine was formally launched by Hessie Coleman, Head of Business Banking Delivery, Starling Bank along with CB Patel.
This year the publication also decided to recognise a few organisations and individuals from the financial sector, who have provided the community with their unique and stellar services.
The Best Global Money Transfer Company of the Year was awarded to MoneyGram International Inc, a successful name in innovative money transfer and payment services. Receiving the award, they told Asian Voice, “MoneyGram is a global provider of innovative money transfer and payment services and is recognized worldwide as a financial connection to friends and family. Whether online, or through a mobile device, at a kiosk or in a local store, we connect consumers any way that is convenient for them. South Asian community in the UK is an important and integral element of the UK's cultural, social and economic life. MoneyGram is proud to have received this award at the annual launch of the Finance Banking Investment Magazine 2019 at the House of Commons, and value the UK South Asian community and the media that serve them."
The Accountancy Firm of the Year was given to John Cumming Ross Ltd and was collected by B B Patel and team. John Cumming Ross Ltd is a well-established accountancy practice which has been serving the Asian community since 1978.
The Best Global Trade Services Bank of the Year was given to Euro Exim Bank Limited. On winning the award, they told Asian Voice, “Euro Exim Bank (EEB) are delighted to have been nominated by Finance, Banking and Investment (FBI) magazine as ‘Best Trade Services Bank 2019’ and named worthy winner of this prestigious award. With cost-effective issuance of trade instruments and innovative blockchain-enabled real-time systems, EEB strives to serve the Asian community in supporting corporate and SME buyers and sellers, through strong relationships across the sub-continent and beyond. The FBI award truly recognises our contribution and role in facilitating global trade.”
Winning the Property Investment Specialist of the Year category was Sow & Reap Ltd, a company with a brilliant track record of sourcing, refurbishing, developing, renting and selling properties in Central London for its clients.
"I am absolutely delighted to receive Property Investment Specialist Of The Year award at the House of Commons, at Asian Voice’s annual Finance, Banking and Investment event. It is a real honour, and I am genuinely humbled. It is such a shame that I was not able to attend this year. For once I am without words. Thank you Asian Voice for this award,” said Suresh Vagjiani, MD, Sow & Reap Ltd.
The Leading Commercial Property Investment Company of the Year was awarded to Prideview Group, which has been at the forefront of commercial property investment services since 1985.
Speaking to Asian Voice, they said, “We are proud and humbled to have received the Leading UK Commercial Property Company Award by Asian Voice & Gujarat Samachar at the House of Commons on 4th July 2019.
“Prideview Group started over 35 years ago to help the British Asian community get on the property investment ladder. A generation later we are proud to see many of those investors scaling new heights across the business world. Although our client profile today is very much global we would like to thank some of our oldest investors and founders for their support through thick and thin.”
The event was attended by a niche group of professionals as well as businessmen, who enjoyed the summer launch, interacting with one another over canapes and drinks.
—————
The Winners
Best Global Trade Services Bank
Euro Exim Bank Ltd
Best Global Money Transfer Company
MoneyGram International Inc
Accountancy Firm of the Year
John Cumming Ross Ltd
Leading Commercial Property Investment Company
Prideview Group
Property Investment Specialist of the Year
Sow & Reap Properties Ltd
