| |
DTI
RESEARCH BUSTS SMALL BUSINESS MYTHS |
|
| |
 The
degree of risk felt by those thinking of starting their own business
is wrongly inflated, deterring some from taking the next step. New
research has found that a myth widespread among the public is that
most small businesses fail within the first year. In fact, contrary
to what many people think over 80 per cent of new businesses survive
their first year. 
read more |
|
| |
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|
| |
NEW
TASK FORCE ON WOMENS ENTERPRISE |
|
| |
 Trade
and Industry Secretary, Alan Johnson, has
welcomed the announcement of a new task force
to boost levels of female enterprise. The
DTI will be managing the recruitment of the
chair and members of the Task Force that will
be launched from Spring 2006. The Task Force
will take forward the Women's Enterprise Panel's
recommendations.
read
more |
|
| |
|
|
| |
INDO
BRITISH PARTNERSHIP NETWORK LAUNCHED |
|
| |
 The
Indo British Partnership Network was officially launched at Asia House
in London on 5 December 2005, the eve of the Rt Hon Tessa Jowell,
Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport visiting India to
sign the UK/India Co-Production Treaty; a formal framework for cooperation
between the British and Indian creative industries.
read more |
|
| |
|
|
| |
MORE
SME'S WIN GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS |
|
| |
 A
DTI survey of central civil government departments and agencies has
shown that of the £4.7billion covered by the survey, over £1
billion was awarded to small businesses, representing 22% of the value
of contracts up from 18% last year. To raise awareness, the DTI's
Small Business Service have today published a new edition of the Smaller
Supplier - Better Value guide.
read more |
|
| |
|
|
| |
SHARPER
FOCUS FOR SMALL FIRMS LOAN GUARANTEE |
|
| |
 The
sweeping changes to the Small Firms Loan Guarantee
(SFLG) recommended by the Graham Review came
into effect today. SFLG was launched in 1981
to help SMEs with viable business propositions
to access debt finance. Over 100,000 guarantees
have been issued since the scheme started
enabling around £4bn of lending to over
90,000 businesses.
read
more |
|
| |
|
|
| |
CRE
HELPING EMPLOYERS MAKE IT EQUAL |
|
| |
 The
Commission for Racial Equality today launched its Code of Practice
on 'Racial Equality in Employment', a toolkit to eliminate racism
at work. The guide follows a three month consultation with a wide
spectrum of employers across Britain. Launching the code a, Trevor
Phillips, CRE Chair said: For many people, work is the only place
where they interact with those from different cultural and ethnic
backgrounds.
read more |
|
| |
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|
| |
POWER
NOT POUNDS MOTIVATES LONDON ENTPRENEURS |
|
| |
 Making
your own decisions is considered the best aspect of owning and running
a business according to 75% of people in a survey commissioned by
Business Link for London. The research, which polled 2,452 Londoners,
highlighted that many people consider that making money is secondary.
read more |
|
| |
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|
| |
MANDEEP
OVERCOMES DISABILITIES TO BE IN BUSINESS |
|
| |
 Mandeep
Lotta is on track to creating a thriving business
thanks to the support of Remploy Interwork.
Mandeep, who is blind and physically impaired,
found his disabilities were holding him back
from finding suitable job opportunities. So
he decided to start his own business Midhorizon
Publications Ltd - which creates information
leaflets and signs in Braille.
read
more |
|
| |
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|
| |
WOMEN
HOLD KEY TO ENTREPRENEURIAL ACTIVITY |
|
| |
 The
benefits of getting more women to take up
entrepreneurship are clear according to DTI
Minister for Women and Equality, Meg Munn.
Women-owned businesses contribute about £70
billion to Gross Value Added, about 25 per
cent of the UK total, mainly from the growing
service sector. Nearly a million women are
self-employed today in the UK.
read
more |
|
| |
|
|
| |
HORLICK
LAUNCHES 'BRAMDIVA' FOR WEALTHY WOMEN |
|
| |
 In
true biz-glam style, City Superwomen Nicola Horlick yesterday launched
'Bramdiva', a financial management initiative for wealthy women. Short
on facts, but long on style, Horlick hosted a launch party at Frankie
Dettori's eponymous Knightsbridge eaterie 'Frankie's', attended by
200 mainly female guests. "As a woman and a mother, I am very
conscious of the fact that many women today feel excluded from the
world of investment" said Horlick.
read more |
|
| |
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|
| |
JOWELL
HAILS REDUCTION IN GENDER PAY GAP |
|
| |
 Minister
for Women Tessa Jowell today welcomed the
Office of National Statistics announcement
of a fall in the gender pay gap. Mrs Jowell
said: "It is excellent news that the
gender pay gap is now at its lowest level
in 30 years since the introduction of the
Equal Pay Act. "In 1975, women earned
70p for every £1 a man received, while
today women receive 83p.
read
more |
|
| |
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|
| |
TRADE
MINISTER MEETS WITH CORPORATE GIANTS OF INDIA |
|
| |
Mr Ian Pearson MP, Minister for International
Trade & Investment met with representatives
of India's largest businesses on 7 November
2005, to gain an understanding of the experiences
India's companies doing business in Britain.
Members of The India Group expressed their
views on a variety of subjects including:
grants & subsidies.
read
more |
|
| |
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|
| |
PHARMACLINIX
WINS ENTERPRISE AWARD 2005 |
|
| |
 Shashi
Gossain, a Registered Pharmacist, founder
of PharmaClinix was named the winner of the
Enterprise award at the Pharmacy Business
Awards 2005. Pharmaclinix is a onestop Health
and Beauty Clinic, offering a holistic approach
to total well being. Its services include
facials, massages, manicures, pedicures, waxing
and the latest treatment for skin rejuvenation,
acne, hair removal and laser treatment.
read
more |
|
| |
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|
| |
MUSLIM
WOMEN'S CAREERS BLIGHTED SAYS THE EOC |
|
| |
 New
Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) figures reveal the gaping chasm
between young Pakistani and Bangladeshi women's ambitions and the
realities they face in the workplace. Almost 50% of those in employment
are aiming for a promotion, but despite high levels of ambition, and
in many cases higher levels of skill and training, they are finding
it disproportionately difficult to get the jobs they're after.
read more |
|
| |
|
|
| |
MUSLIM
WOMAN TACKLES RELIGIOUS INTOLERANCE |
|
| |
 It's
been up and running for just seven months,
yet a cultural awareness training company
launched to tackle religious and cultural
intolerance in the workplace has already been
recognised for its groundbreaking work. '
Noble Khan, founded by Sadi Mehmood, has been
licensed by ASET, the national body responsible
for certifying vocational learning programmes.
read
more |
|
| |
|
|
| |
INDIA'S
GROWTH THREATENED BY POOR INFRASTRUCTURE |
|
| |
 India's
phenomenal growth rate of six per cent a year will be unsustainable
without serious social reform and infrastructure development, according
to a panel of experts at 'The Indian Economy: Elephant or Tiger' a
Question Time event, hosted by global credit insurer Atradius on 13
October 2005.
read more |
|
| |
|
|
| |
BUSINESS
ANGEL GITA PATEL MAKES ASIAN POWER 100 LIST |
|
| |
 Gita
Patel, a Director of Stargate Capital Management and Head of Trapezia,
an innovative investment product that is the first to be dedicated
to the venture capital requirements of women entrepreneurs, has been
included in the first Asian Power 100 List, which recognises the most
influential and successful members of the British Asian community
- launched by the Institute Of Asian Professionals.
read more |
|
| |
|
|
| |
STRONG
GROWTH CONTINUES IN SMALL BUSINESS SECTOR |
|
| |
 Minister
for Industry and the Regions Alun Michael
today welcomed a net increase in the business
population across the UK, with new figures
showing an increase of around 260,000 firms
operating at the start of 2004. The latest
statistics show this to be the highest year
on year increase in the business population
since the figures started in 1995.
read
more |
|
| |
|
|
| |
ICICI
OPENS FOR BUSINESS IN MANCHESTER |
|
| |
 On
17th August 2005, ICICI Bank UK Ltd launched their branch in Manchester
to cater to the banking needs of those in the North of England. This
is ICICI Bank UK Ltd's third branch in England. Speaking on the occasion,
Mr Sonjoy Chatterjee, MD & CEO of ICICI Bank UK Ltd commented
'We are delighted to offer our services to the residents and businesses
of Manchester.
read more |
|
| |
|
|
| |
MUSLIM
GRADUATES ARE MISSING OUT IN THE LABOUR MARKET
|
|
| |
 More
must be done to improve the numbers of Muslim
graduates moving into jobs. Just 76 per cent
of Muslim graduates of working age are in
jobs, compared with the overall graduate rate
of 87 per cent - an 11 per cent gap. The employment
rate among the Muslim population, is 45 per
cent compared with 75 per cent for the overall
population.
read
more |
|
| |
|
|
| |
SOCIAL
ENTERPRISE GENERATES £18BN TURNOVER
FOR THE UK |
|
| |
 Social
Enterprises generate some £18billion
in annual turnover and employ over 775,000
people new findings published by the DTI show.
Social Enterprises are businesses driven by
social or environmental goals rather than
the need to maximise private profit. The Survey
provides a snapshot of this diverse and important
business sector, and how it contributes to
society and the environment.
read
more |
|
| |
|
|
| |
GITA
PATEL LAUNCHES 'TRAPEZIA' VC FUND FOR WOMEN |
|
| |
 Gita
Patel, Director of Stargate Capital Management,
announced the launch of 'Trapezia', the first
UK-based investment fund dedicated to Women
Focused Businesses. The pioneering £30
million fund seeks to capitalise on the funding
gap for women entrepreneurs.
read
more |
|
| |
|
|
| |
50
YEARS TO PLUG ASIAN UNEMPLOYMENT GAP |
|
| |
 There
are now more black and Asian people in work
than there were eight years ago, but progress
is slow, and if black unemployment continues
to fall at such a modest rate, it could take
46 years before there are the same numbers
of ethnic and white people out of work. The
report by the TUC shows that unemployment
amongst the UK's BME communities stands at
11%.
read
more |
|
| |
|
|
| |
WOMEN
COULD BOOST LONDON'S GDP BY £1.5 BILLION
P.A. |
|
| |
 London’s
economic output would be £1.5 billion
higher if part time employment rates for women
with children in London were raised to equal
those in the rest of the country. Manny Lewis,
the LDA’s Chief Executive, said “The
lack of good-quality affordable childcare
is a severe problem for many Londoners who
are struggling to move into work."
read
more |
|
| |
|
|
| |
WOMEN'S
BUSINESS COUNCIL PROPOSED |
|
| |
 Women
who are looking to become budding businesswomen
were being encouraged by The Women's Enterprise
Online Event held on 23 & 24 June 2005.
The eventwas aimed at motivating more women
to consider enterprise as a viable prospect
by linking them up with women's support networks
and business support organisations.
read
more |
|
| |
|
|
| |
MPs
SALUTE INDIA'S CORPORATE LEADERS |
|
| |
 On
Monday 20th June 2005, UK Parliamentary Group
- Labour Friends of India, hosted a meeting
in the House of Commons to hear from India's
corporate leaders. The delegates were part
of the annual CII visit to London and included
Narayana Murthy of Infosys, Yogi Deveshwar
of ITC Group, Jamshed Irani of Tata Sons,
& Rakesh Mittal of Bharti Telecom.
read
more |
|
| |
|
|
| |
FOREIGN
INVESTORS HOLD ONE THIRD OF UK SHARES |
|
| |
 Rest
of the world investors owned 33 per cent of
UK shares listed on the London Stock Exchange
at the end of 2004, according to the Office
for National Statistics (ONS) report on share
ownership published today. Between 1st January
2004 and 31st December 2004 the UK Stock Market
was valued at £1,480 billion (almost
£1.5 trillion) - an increase of £112
billion.
read
more |
|
| |
|
|
| |
LONDON'S
ASIAN BUSINESSES WORTH £60BN A YEAR |
|
| |
 The
report, 'The contribution of Asian-owned businesses to London’s
economy' was launched by the Mayor today at his Asian Business Conference
in City Hall. The report shows that in 2003/04 there were almost 39,000
Asian-owned businesses in the capital providing 300,000 jobs - representing
12 per cent of total employment of all firms surveyed - generating
some £60bn per year.
read more |
|
| |
|
|
| |
ASIANS
ENCOURAGED TO APPLY FOR A QUEEN'S AWARD
|
|
| |
 Successful
Asian-owned companies are being invited to
apply for a Queen's Award for Enterprise -
the UK's most prestigious Award for business.
And Asian entrepreneurs who have been inspired
by or supported by particular individuals
can now express their gratitude by nominating
them for a Queen's Award for Enterprise Promotion.
read
more |
|
| |
|
|
| |
NUMBER
OF BME BUSINESSES REACHES RECORD LEVELS |
|
| |
 The
number of BME business start-ups has reached record levels having
grown by a third, from 32,000 in 2000 to 50,000 in 2004 according
to research from Barclays. BME business start-ups now account for
11 per cent of all new business start-ups. The growth numbers are
also bolstered by real success.
read more |
|
| |
|
|
| |
ASIAN
BUSINESS NETWORKS - ARE THEY ANY GOOD? |
|
| |
 'Young,
unattached start-up seeks like-minded spirit
for mutually profitable relationship'.
Does this sound a like your business approach?
If so, you'll undoubtedly have been networking.
The mantra for the masses, networking has
now replaced other methods as the principal
source for new customers and business contacts.
read
more |
|
| |
|
|
| |
THE
SECRETS OF A SERIAL NETWORKER |
|
| |
 How
do you become a good networker? Is it an art
you have to be born with, or a skill you can
acquire and hone? Serial networkers - the
ones we seem to bump into at all sorts of
events - can certainly teach us a thing or
two. They seem to possess that technique for
making us feel included in their world.
read
more |
|
| |
|
|
| |
UK
'DEALMAKER' TO TARGET INDIAN ENTREPRENEURS |
|
| |
 Financial
entrepreneur and investment expert, Alpesh Patel is to help Indian
entrepreneurs go global as a 'DealMaker' for UK Trade & Investment's
Global Entrepreneurs Programme (GEP). In his new role, Patel will
provide guidance to a growing number of Indian life sciences and technology
entrepreneurs interested in setting up their companies in the UK.
read more |
|
| |
|
|
| |
FTSE
EXECUTIVE RECRUITMENT SERVICE FOR ASIANS |
|
| |
 SaffronChase,
the Public Affairs & Communications Strategy Specialists, have launched
an Executive Recruitment service called 'FTSE Executive Resourcing'
specifically targeted at finding Senior Asian Executives for FTSE
companies. Specialising in appointing staff for integrated securities
houses, stockbrokers, global custodians, asset managers, retail &
investment banks.
read more |
|
| |
|
|
| |
INSTITUTE
OF ASIAN BUSINESS NETWORKS LAUNCHES PACT |
|
| |
 The
launch of 'Pact', by the Institute of Asian Business Networks, is
a unique event focussing on promoting business and encouraging networking
opportunities in a relaxing environment. Guests will include local
dignitaries, Asian entrepreneurs and chairpersons of other Asian networks
and organisations.
read more |
|
| |
|
|
| |
GOVERNMENT
TO BOOST ASIAN EMPLOYMENT |
|
| |
 The
Government today welcomed the publication
of the National Employment Panel report on
Increasing the Employment and Business Growth
of Ethnic Minority groups. Welcoming the report
o, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Gordon
Brown said: "The employment gap between
ethnic minorities and the overall population
is beginning to narrow but we must do more
to address this challenge."
read
more |
|
| |
|
|
| |
BBC'S
'THE APPRENTICE' MAKES TV HISTORY |
|
| |
 Tim
Campbell, a self-effacing, authoritative,
talented African Caribbean manager from London
Transport won BBC 2's 'The Apprentice'. The
nature and significance of his win is not
yet understood but television history has
been made in this country, especially for
the ripple effect it will have in all communities;
one that will be difficult to match in the
future.
read
more |
|
| |
|
|
| |
ASIAN
ENTERPRISE TRIUMPHS AT QUEEN'S AWARDS |
|
| |
 An
enterprise founded by an Asian family- and
an Asian mentor who encourages enterprise
amongst black and minority ethnic (BME) businesses
are both being honoured with Royal Awards.
Her Majesty the Queen today (21 April 2005)
announced the 2005 winners of The Queen's
Awards for Enterprise, the UK's leading accolade
for business success that is now in its fortieth
year.
read
more |
|
| |
|
|
| |
WORKPLACE
RACISM DENIES TRAINING TO ETHNIC WORKERS |
|
| |
 Racism
in Britain's workplaces is damaging the career
prospects of many black workers because at
every level of working life they get less
training opportunities, despite often being
better qualified than their white counterparts.
A new TUC report reveals that even though
job related training is more likely to be
offered to qualified workers; qualified black
and minority ethnic workers receive fewer
opportunities.
read
more |
|
| |
|
|
| |
THE
ASIAN BUSINESS AWARDS 2005 |
|
| |
 A
wealth of Asian talent in business and entertainment attended the
ninth annual Asian Business Awards on Thursday 7th April 2005. There
is always strong competition for the six coveted Asian Business Awards
which honour the contribution and significant achievements of Asian
entrepreneurs in Britain who have built succesful businesses.
read more |
|
| |
|
|
| |
RANBAXY
SETTLES NHS CLAIM FOR 'PRICE FIXING' |
|
| |
 The
Department of Health and Ranbaxy (UK) Ltd
have jointly announced settlement of the claims
brought against Ranbaxy for alleged anti-competitive
conduct in the supply to the NHS of generic
drugs between 1996 and 2000. Under the terms
of the settlement Ranbaxy have agreed to pay
£4.5 million.
read
more |
|
| |
|
|
| |
NEW
CHAIR FOR THE ETHNIC MINORITY BUSINESS FORUM |
|
| |
 Trade
and Industry Secretary, Patricia Hewitt,
today announced the appointment of Adeeba
Malik as the new Chair of the Ethnic Minority
Business Forum (EMBF) and the appointments
of five new members. The EMBF is public
body which strengthens the Government's
dialogue with ethnic (BME) business.
read
more
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
MAYOR
CHAMPIONS DIVERSITY IN LONDON |
|
| |
 The
Mayor of London today launched one of his
priority campaigns - Diversity Works - a four-year
programme to help companies to develop and
enjoy the benefits of having a diverse workforce
The campaign, funded by up to £9.8 million
by the London Development Agency, will provide
excluded Londoners with a chance to share
in the city's opportunities.
read
more |
|
| |
|
|
| |
JACQUI
SMITH CELEBRATES WOMEN'S ENTERPRISE |
|
| |
 More
than 950,000 women are now self employed, with 130,000 taking the
plunge in the last year, Women and Equality Minister Jacqui Smith
announced today, International Women's Day. But if the UK had the
same levels of female entrepreneurship as in the US, there would be
around three quarters of a million additional businesses around the
country.
read more |
|
| |
|
|
| |
HEWITT
WANTS 'A FAIR DEAL FOR WOMEN IN THE WORKPLACE' |
|
| |
 Trade
and Industry Secretary and Minister for Women, Patricia Hewitt welcomed
the Interim report from the Women and Work Commission, which wants
'A Fair Deal for Women in the Workplace'. Ms Hewitt said: "The
pay gap is not only damaging to women, it's bad for business and productivity
too.
read more |
|
| |
|
|
| |
NEW
PROJECTS TO AID LONDON'S ASIAN ENTREPRENEURS |
|
| |
 Mayor
Ken Livingstone’s London Development
Agency today launched three new projects to
respond to the needs of London’s ethnic
businesses and facilitate greater innovation
amongst them. The
new schemes will bring a wide range of benefits
for London’s ethnic minority business
women and owners of ethnic companies in the
food and beauty sectors in the capital.
read
more |
|
| |
|
|
| |
MIGRANTS
SUBJECT TO FORCED LABOUR IN THE UK |
|
| |
 Migrant
workers in the UK, including those with the
right to work here, are subject to such levels
of exploitation and control that they meet
the international legal definition of 'forced
labour', according to a report by independent
researchers published by the TUC today. The
TUC argues that migrant workers should benefit
from the same rights that apply to every other
worker in the UK.
read
more |
|
| |
|
|
| |
SCAM
AWARENESS MONTH - TOP TEN SCAMS TO LOOK OUT
FOR |
|
| |
 At
the launch of a month-long campaign, the OFT
identifies the top ten scams targeted at UK
consumers to alert the public to the swindles
that may part them from their money. UK consumers
lose an estimated £1 billion per year
to a variety of scams which exploit low-cost,
mass-marketing techniques to target recipients.
read
more |
|
| |
|
|
| |
ASIAN
& BLACK BUSINESSES REGENERATE LONDON |
|
| |
 Black
and minority ethnic (BME) entrepreneurs make a vital contribution
to effective race relations in London through their promotion of inclusive
citizenship, wealth and job creation. The Knowledge Centre on Black
and Minority Ethnic Businesses and the REFLEX programme seek to encourage
positive images of diversity.
read more |
|
| |
|
|
| |
DR
CHAI PATEL FACES GMC PANEL |
|
| |
 Dr
Chai Patel, CEO of Westminster Health Care, today faced a General
Medical Council (GMC) Fitness to Practise Panel in London in relation
to complaints that he failed to provide proper care for elderly patients
at Lynde House, a residential care home that his company Takare owned.
The PCC hearing will last until 11 March 2005 and Dr Chai Patel faces
being struck off the GMC register if found guilty of Professional
Misconduct.
read more |
|
| |
|
|
| |
SFO
RAIDS GOLDSHIELD CEO'S HOME AGAIN |
|
| |
 The
Serious Fraud Office stepped up its investigation of price-fixing
by pharmaceutical companies supplying the National Health Service
by raiding the house of Ajit Patel, CEO of Goldshield Group Plc. The
Department of Health called in the SFO in 2002, alleging that six
companies colluded to limit the supply and inflate the prices of antibiotics
and Warfarin.
read more |
|
| |
|
|
| |
UK
MOST ENTREPRENEURIAL IN EUROPE |
|
| |
 New
research showing that the UK is Europe's most entrepreneurial major
economy was welcomed by Patricia Hewitt, Secretary of State for Trade
and Industry. The Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) 2004, places
the UK ahead of rivals Germany, France, Italy when it comes to entrepreneurial
activity. It also shows the gap between male and female entrepreneurs
closing in the UK.
read more |
|
| |
|
|
| |
RACIAL
DIVERSITY AN ASSET TO LONDON'S ECONOMY |
|
| |
Mayor
of London, Ken Livingstone today launched
his Economic Development Strategy, prepared
for him by the London Development Agency (LDA),
which highlights the untapped potential of
London’s diverse workforce. The Strategy
seeks to enable ethnic minorities to fully
access business opportunities and finance
so that they can contribute to the capital’s
economy.
read
more |
|
| |
|
|
| |
GENDER
PAY GAP IS GREATER IN LONDON |
|
| |
 The
pay gap between men and women is significantly wider in London than
the UK as a whole. Women in the capital earn on average 25 per cent
less than men. The most common female occupation in London pays £5.38
per hour, while the most common male job pays £17.30 - three
times as much.
read more |
|
| |
|
|
| |
NO-NONSENSE
GUIDES TO SMALL BUSINESS FUNDING |
|
| |
 Two
comprehensive new guides designed to help
small and growing firms improve their chances
of raising the right funding for their business
were launched today by Nigel Griffiths, Minister
for Small Business and Enterprise. The guides
are produced by Business Link, the Government's
business advice service.
read
more |
|
| |
|
|
| |
GOVERNMENT
TENDERS PORTAL FOR SMALL BUSINESSES |
|
| |
 Millions
of businesses nationwide will soon have direct
access to local and central government business
opportunities, thanks to a new national web
portal the Small Business Service (SBS) announced
today. The SBS launched the open competitive
tendering process for the provision of the
national web portal service although no date
was announced for its launch.
read
more |
|
| |
|
|
| |
TRADE
MISSION TO INDIA, 21 - 25 FEBRUARY 2005
|
|
| |
 The
London Chamber of Commerce and UK Trade and
Investment is organising a Trade Mission to
the prestigious Gartner BFSI Summit in Mumbai
on 24 February 2005 and invite your company
to join the mission. A
contribution of £550 towards travel
costs is available to eligible companies joining
this mission.
read
more |
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