London–The number of Indian businesses investing in the UK have grown over the years, including a considerable jump f the previous year, despite Brexit uncertainties. To celebrate this growing UK-India partnership globally, Asian Voice along with WBR Corp launched its first ever Global Indian Business Excellence Awards in Britain’s House of Commons on Thursday 30 May. 

The primary objective of the awards, that are a result of a comprehensive market research study, is to identify and recognise fastest growing organisations and entrepreneurs across a range of industries. The winners have been chosen on the basis of comprehensive profiling and after extensive background check of nominated organisations or individuals. Guests present on the evening included MPs, Peers, leaders of the community and business fraternity.

Some of the key winners of this inaugural awards included technocrat Mr Kapil Jain, Head of Technology and Strategy, Vistara airlines in India. He was awarded for his ‘Leadership and Innovation in IT Consulting and Advisory Services‘. ‘Most Preferred University Providing Global Environment to International Students’ award was given to REVA University in Bangalore. Winner of the ‘Social Change Maker & Educationist of the Year’ category was Dr Cdr Kartikay Saini, an ex-Naval Commander and a well known educationist for more than 30 years. Winners also included some key women, who have revolutionised their respective industries such as Dr Minnie Bodhiwala, CEO of Bai Jerbai Wadia Hospital for Children who won the ‘Iconic Business Personality of the Year’. ‘Social Rights Activist and Woman Entrepreneur of the Year’ award was given to Dr Shahnaz Ahmed, Chairperson, Springdale High School. Educationist and Social Worker of the Year was given to Ms Grace Romila of Grace International School. Best Emerging Interior Design Professional of the Year was given to Ms Karishma Kakoti, founder of KA Designs.

Mr CB Patel, Publisher/Editor of Asian Voice, co-host of the awards said, “The mission of these awards is to recognise Indian businesses that have excelled in various fields, and support those who seek to do business in the UK.

“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 sold and stable 5 year tenure – one that is set to deliver the ambitions of the Indian people and Indian overseas investment. 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 48 billion pounds. 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.”

Mr Sanjay Kumar, from WBR Corp said, “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.”

The awards also saw unveiling of the Forbes India Special magazine viz. ‘Global Indian Brands and Leaders’ with features on some key players from different industries. The Global Indian Business Excellence Awards have tied up with Forbes India and are bringing out a special issue called ‘India Shining’ with features on the winners of this inaugural year. Forbes is a 100-year-old company and is one of the most recognisable amongst business brands. 

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: 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.