On 30th May, Thursday, leading businessmen from the UK and India came together at the House of Lords to celebrate the growth of India-UK trade relations at the first Global Indian Business Excellence Awards (GIBEA) organised by Asian Voice in association with WBR Corp India.
The awards celebrated the organic growth of Indian companies in the UK, recognised the contributions of leading professionals made in the fields of technology, education, architecture and health among others who have fuelled growth in the UK-Indo market amidst Brexit uncertainities.
“There has been £17.5bn invested by British businessmen in India since 2000. We have created 371,000 new jobs and 10% of all Foreign Direct Investment comes from the UK in India. The figures, other way around are astonishing as well considering the Asian businessmen who have migrated to the UK and running family businesses,” said Labour MP Keith Vaz.
The awards, collated after a comprehensive market research study, saw the unveiling of the Forbes India Special magazine- 'Global Indian Brands and Leaders' with features on some key players from different industries. GIBEA have tied up with Forbes India and are bringing out a special issue - 'India Shining' with features on the winners of this inaugural year.
“India and UK share a special relationship which dates back several decades and I believe that the years ahead hold much promise for bilateral investment. Our two countries are going through different but significant times. The Indian government led by the dynamism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is poised for a rock solid and stable five year tenure...This can only augur well for Indian entrepreneurs who seek to set up shop in the UK.
“The annual 'India Meets Britain Tracker' published by business advisory firm Grant Thornton UK LLP and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) reported that the number of Indian companies doing business in Britain has increased from 800 in 2018 to 842 in 2019, with a combined turnover of £48bn. This is despite the ongoing uncertainties around Brexit. This is a testament to the resilience and entrepreneurial genius of Indian businesses. I am confident that the years ahead will continue to see this upward trend and the UK will continue to be a leading investment destination for Indian investors,” said CB Patel, Publisher/Editor of Asian Voice.
Some of the key players recognised at the event included technocrats like Mr Kapil Jain, Head of Technology and Strategy, Vistaraairlines in India, Dr. P. Shyamaraju of REVA University of Bangalore, Dr Cdr Kartikay Saini, an ex-Naval Commander and a well known educationist among others. The awards also identified the revolutionary leadership of some women, including Dr Minnie Bodhiwala, CEO of Bai Jerbai Wadia Hospital for Children,Dr Shahnaz Ahmed, Chairperson, Springdale High School, Karishma Kakoti, Founder of KA Designs, and Grace Romila of Grace International School among others.
“The main aim for organising Global Indian Business Excellence Awards is to create a common platform for Indian and UK entrepreneurs, professionals and like-minded businesses to network and identify potential areas of investment in the UK.
“India has seen a strong leadership under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his recent mandate with a sweeping victory will definitely set India up on an accelerated growth trajectory. Under Mr. Modi’s leadership, Indo-UK relationship has been at an all-time high and I am confident that this will be beneficial for businesses in both countries,” said Sanjay Kumar, from WBR Corp.
LIST OF THE WINNERS OF GLOBAL INDIAN BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS
- Most Preferred University Providing Global Environment to International Students: REVA University
- Social Change Maker and Educationist of the Year: Dr Cdr Kartikay Saini, Chairman, Scottish High International School, India
- Corporate Real Estate Services Company of the Year: Vestian
- Skill Development Training Company of the Year: CADD Centre Training Services Pvt Ltd
- Iconic Business Personality of the Year: Dr Minnie Bodhanwala, CEO, Bai Jerbai Wadia Hospital for Children
- Best Startup of the Year: Life Span Pvt Ltd
- Social Rights Activist and Woman Entrepreneur of the Year: Dr Shahnaz Ahmed, Chairperson, Springdale High School
- Pathology & Diagnostic Services Company of the Year: Modern Diagnostic & Research Center
- Fastest Growing Brand in Locks & Hardware: Suzu Steel India
- Pioneer of Affiliate Marketing in India: Mr L D Sharma, MD & CEO, OMG Network India Pvt Ltd
- Outstanding Contribution to Beauty and Wellness Sector: Mr Kapil Kumar
- Most Preferred Travel Solutions Company of the Year: Pushti Tours & Travels
- Fastest Growing Indian Spirits Company of the Year: Kaya Blenders & Distillers Ltd
- Outstanding Contribution to Environmental Conservation & Innovative Products: Mr Yatin Gupte, CEO & Founder of Wardwizard Solutions India Pvt Ltd
- Educationist and Social Worker of the Year: Ms Grace Romila, Grace International School
- Leadership and Innovation in IT Consulting and Advisory Services: NIIT Technologies, recevied by Mr Kapil Jain, Head of Technology and Strategy, Vistara
- Excellence in Architecture & Design: De Proxemics Design Studio, London
- Most Promising Company to Invest in Health & Wellness Sector: Life Span Pvt Ltd
- Best Emerging Interior Design Professional of the Year: Ms Karishma Kakoti, founder K A Designs.
