Grant Thornton LLP became the first to kickstart the Diwali season in London by organising a reception at the historic Long Room in the Lord’s Cricket Ground on 16 October, welcoming a brief spell of Indian summer as the backdrop of festivities. The room that boasts portraits of legends like Kapil Dev, Brian Lara and Kumar Sangakkara, buzzed with people from various walks of life including Lord Karan Bilimoria, businesses and individuals interested in the Indian market and vice versa.
Welcoming guests, Anuj Chande OBE, Head of South Asia Business Group at Grant Thornton UK LLP, said, “I'm very fortunate that over 30 years, I've seen Grant Thornton really expand its India presence…Diwali is all about the celebration of overcoming good over evil, light prevailing over darkness. The world today is in very precarious position, but we remain optimistic in our hope that when we meet in a year's time, there has been some resolution to the conflicts that exist in both Ukraine and the Middle East. We pray that light overcomes darkness.”
Anuj then introduced Grant Thornton’s new London-based Partner and Head of India Global and Global Indians, Akshay Bhalla, who in his very interesting speech described the historic importance of the Long Room, and a new era of cricket for India and Indians. Speaking about the business, he added, “We have launched our India Global Practice, as an industry first, which focuses on India, outbound and Global Indians with desks in London, Munich, Dubai, Singapore, Cyprus, Gift City and across all offices in India.
“As we celebrate Diwali in the iconic Long Room, let's carry forward the spirit of both cricket and the festival – the spirit of fair play, mutual respect and illuminating the world with our collective efforts. May this Diwali bring you and your loved ones, joy, prosperity and new beginnings and may our partnership continue to flourish, much like the timeless legacy of this great sport and the historic ground that's behind us.”
Gursheen Kaur Sahani, Head of UK-India Business Corridor and Business Development, South Asia Business told Asian Voice, "Diwali holds special significance for the UK-India corridor, symbolising new beginnings and growth. Our Diwali reception celebrates the strength of these connections, as we continue to foster collaboration and innovation between businesses in both countries."
As the Labour party’s first budget looms over us on 30 October, Chancellor Rachel Reeves is believed to announce further changes to UK tax regulations for non-domiciled individuals. To help one understand the potential implications, Grant Thornton UK tax team will outline the changes and what they mean in a webinar on Thursday 7 November.
