Glittering opportunity to network
Oct 25 2008 by Graeme King, The Journal
HUNDREDS of the biggest names in the Asian business world gathered at the Hilton Newcastle Gateshead last night for the fourth annual dinner of the Asian Business Forum.
Well known entrepreneur Vijay Patel of Waymade Healthcare was the keynote speaker at the event, with 400 guests in attendance.
The ABF North East dinner, presented in association with Allied Irish Bank (GB), has grown in stature in each successive year. This year's event, also backed by Bentley of Newcastle and Dickinson Dees LLP, featured a drinks reception, exhibition, charity auction, main dinner event and networking.
Prizes in the charity auction, held in aid of the Kashmiri Orphanage Relief Trust, included a weekend with a Bentley, use of a corporate box at Newcastle Racecourse and an exclusive Rolex Daytona Cosmograph Watch, which has a five-year waiting list.
Sunil Khanna, chairman of the ABF, said: "The event is about a networking opportunity, and also to raise money for charity.
"We have quite a variety of people attending – those starting out in business, those who have been around a while and those really at the top end of their field.
"Hopefully everyone can share experiences and give each other encouragement."
Prestigious companies including The Specials Laboratory, Bang & Olufsen and Ernst & Young were among those with tables at the dinner.
Aman Sehgal, solicitor at co-sponsor Dickinson Dees, said: "The ABF continues to grow year-on-year and we are very proud to be associated with its main event for 2008.
"It has done wonders for raising the profile of Asian businesses in the North East and has actively encouraged greater networking and collaboration between businesses, which can only be a positive step for the region."