PR and News
2013 Coverage
Awards night coverage highlights:
The shortlist for the 2013 awards was announced in the Independent on Sunday, click here to view the pieces on line:
Role Models: Asian Women of Achievement
Asian Women of Achievement: the full shortlist
Further coverage:
Three words: Asian/Women/Achievement
News
March 25, 2012 - AWA lunch
On March 25, to coincide with the announcement of the 2013 Asian Women of Achievement awards shortlists, we held a special event in Manchester in the offices of our headline partner, RBS. Hosted by RBS CEO of Corporate Banking Chris Sullivan, AWA founder Pinky Lilani OBE and Matthew Rock, communications director of Caspian Media, the networking event brought together 2013 candidates and AWA alumni to share experiences of starting and growing their own business.
Opening the lunchtime debate, GibbsS3 CEO Farida Gibbs (2012 AWA "Entrepreneur of the Year") outlined the dynamic growth of her staffing business that competes with global businesses yet is securing contracts with blue-chip clients. Also winning contracts from corporate customers are the founders of Sweet Mandarin, Helen and Lisa Tse. Building on the success of their Manchester restaurant, they have launched a range of gluten-free sauces that are available in 500 Sainsbury's stores across the UK; the sisters also recently bought a factory to meet demand. Former AWA "Entrepreneur" winner Nighat Awan, founder of the Shere Khan brand, was able to share advice from her remarkable entrepreneurial career with other guests.
Several guests had launched new businesses during the recession, yet are seeing strong growth: Sipra Deb's children's entertainment centre, The Play Arena, has beaten all its forecasts during its first two years. Former "Entrepreneur" candidate Henna Riaz is building a superb client roster for her specialist royalty audit business, 360 Audit.
Finally, we heard about the remarkable personal and entrepreneurial story of Sadi Khan, whose Noble Khan training business was recognised as the best in the UK for its cultural training. Backed by former Asda CEO Allan Leighton and Arora International founder Surinder Arora, Sadi's business shows just what's possible for a determined entrepreneur. As Pinky Lilani, AWA founder, stressed, such role models are vital for inspiring the next generation of Asian women to believe that everything is possible in 21st century Britain.
2012 Coverage
Please find below some highlights from the 2012 campaign:
Real Business
City AM
Independent on Sunday
Asian Wealth
Business Today
The 2012 campaign secured 132 pieces of coverage
Creating a total equivalent advertising value of £702,000 and a total editorial impact value of over £2 million
News
A group from the 2012 shortlist are invited for a visit to Buckingham Palace for a tour of the Summer Exhibition and tea with the head of the Royal Household Sir David Walker OBE.
Some comments from those that attended:
"It was a pleasure to visit Buckingham Palace with Pinky and a group of awe-inspiring Asian women. As always, I was humbled by the experience and savoured the opportunity of meeting women who are unique role models to us all. The exhibition and hospitality of the household staff at Buckingham Palace topped off the day - simply perfect. Thank you, Pinky!"
Shreelata Datta, senior registrar, NHS
"The trip to Buckingham Palace was an excellent opportunity to really get to know the other finalists. I left feeling inspired and motivated. the whole experience of the awards has made me realise that the sky really is the limit!"
Reena Bagga, operational governor, Her Majesty's Prison Service
