Partner Article

Asian Business Connexions: ABC and Bdaily

2012 marks Asian Business Connexions’ (ABC) third birthday, and to celebrate the occasion Bdaily is running a series of articles reflecting on the organizations’ place within the North East business community.

ABC’s motto “Support, Connect, Promote” is consistent throughout all of the events run by the network, which aims to enhance the contribution Asian businesses make to the North East’s economic well being.

Since ABC was established, members have helped each other to establish 187 new companies, ranging from micro-businesses to multi-national multi-million pound enterprises. What is all the more commendable is the fact that ABC has no funding support to do this, instead relying on the kindness of its members to share their knowledge and promote one another.

Furthermore ABC is also keen to foster a multi-cultural atmosphere within the local business community, and counts both Asian and non-Asian businesspeople amongst its members.

Ammar Mirza is Secretary General and one of the founding members of ABC. Being part of the organisation has taught him to fully appreciate the benefits which can come from collaborating with others and the power of partnerships.

He said: “ABC is an inclusive organisation, and whilst it was originally set-up to help Asian businesses it has grown organically with a mainstream outlook.

“The dynamic and progressive approach of all the partner organisations has meant that we have managed to make a significant impact to the North East and wider economy. “

Siobhan Bales, managing director of Bdaily Business News Network has forged strong links with the organisation after she was introduced to Ammar. A synergy quickly emerged between the networks, and since then the two have worked closely to host the ‘State of the Region’ debates, along with a number of proactive marketing and advertising campaigns.

Explaining what she believes are the true strengths of ABC, Siobhan said: “At the front of every event, and through all of its communications, ABC is stoic in its mantra for the businesses it represents as members, supporters and across the NE business community.

“I have never seen such energy to integrate a network so extensively across the region, open to ideas and opportunity and that is why Bdaily is delighted to be a significant partner of ABC and why we want to continue our exploration of opportunity and engagement.”

In the current economic climate, businesses need to work extra hard to ensure they get noticed and get ahead of the competition - and Siobhan believes that organisations like ABC give companies an effective platform to do this.

“Networks can ensure that businesses know what is on offer, through ongoing news and advice directly from experts, while events give you a learning opportunity through the speakers.” She continued.

“They also provide businesses with the chance to explore new opportunities and connections, which can enable them to grow their business, seek help or just generally to grow their contacts.”

Ammar echoed these sentiments, adding: “One of the most important factors of ABC is that the people involved in the organisation are all coal-face business operatives who are doing business now and can offer practical advice and assistance.

“Every single event organised by ABC, and all of the differing support initiatives add value.

“The inclusivity and diversity of the organisation ensures that there is genuinely something for everyone.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .