By GEMMA BROWN

Published at 09:44, Friday, 12 March 2010

TOP business figures have given their seal of approval to the Asian Business Forum North-East (ABF), after it appointed a new chairman from Ponteland to drive it forward.

Sunil Mehra, investment partner at the property firm MKP – which is behind the multi-million pound schemes to redevelop both the Merton Way and Broadway shopping centres in the village – has taken over the reins from Sunil Khanna who helped set up the ABF back in 2003.

Mr Mehra, who has been involved with the ABF for two years, has been given the opportunity to lead the forum which covers the entire region including Northumberland.

High-profile regional business leaders such as the chief executive of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum, Carole Beverley, and the chief executive officer at Entrust, Dan Brophy, have welcomed the decision.

Mrs Beverley said: “I have known and respected Sunil for many years and truly believe he is the right person to guide the ABF.

“The success of the North-East economy is dependant on collaboration and partnership, key aims of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum, and we are confident that working alongside organisations such as the ABF will create a fertile environment for growth opportunities.

“Asian business continues to thrive in our region and the ABF has the potential to support and enhance this valuable community and extend its reach to other businesses in the North-East.”

Mr Mehra, already has plans to reorganise the committee to secure a team with a mix of skills and experience.

Commenting on the new appointment, Mr Brophy said: “Entrust’s role is to assist businesses in the North-East with advice and support with a view to improving growth, development and sustainability.

“We will therefore be looking to link with the ABF to allow us access to Asian business across the region and to provide a platform to communicate the support services available through Entrust.”

Speaking about his new position, Mr Mehra said: “The committee and its members have laid down a great foundation that I hope we can build on to elevate the ABF to the next level.”

As the voice of the Asian business community, the ABF works within the business support network.

To date, its main function has been to support and facilitate the growth of Asian business within the area, but Mr Mehra has indicated the ABF may be given additional focus.

He said: “Although the ABF already assists local Asian businesses, there are a number who are unaware of the additional assistance available to them from other business support agencies such as Business Link and Entrust. Assistance can take many forms and includes guidance and training as well as grants. In today’s challenging economic environment, this kind of assistance has never been more welcome.”

Now in its sixth year, the ABF is a voluntary organisation which encourages networking within the region and continues to raise its profile through working partnerships with key organisations throughout the region.

Published by http://www.hexhamcourant.co.uk