Peter Virdee invited to join Coutts & Co Private Bank UK Philanthropy board

Peter Virdee has been honored and is delighted to be joining the board of Coutts & Co Private Bank UK Philanthropy.

“In charity there is no excess”
Francis Bacon (1561-1626) British statesman and philosopher.

Coutts private bank, have an impressive 300 years history of involvement in the charity sector. Most famously, Angela Burdett-Coutts was one of the greatest Victorian philanthropists of her day making unprecedented inroads into helping those less fortunate than herself.

Today this charitable tradition is proudly upheld. The Coutts Charitable Trust and the Coutts Foundation maximize the impact of giving by supporting numerous good causes.

Unquestionably by far the most important part of Peter Virdee’s values and beliefs is that of helping others, those that are in need. In recognition of Peter’s contributions and willingness to always help others in need, Peter has been requested to sit on the Coutts UK Philanthropy board.

“I have spent my life earning money, but my wealth has come from what I have given”

-Peter Virdee

English National Opera

ENO believes opera should be for everyone and is committed to developing new audiences through an innovative and dynamic programme, created by imaginative stage directors and designers from across the arts and performed by leading artists.

ENO traces its roots back to 1931 when Lilian Baylis established the Sadler’s Wells Opera Company at the newly re-opened the Sadler’s Wells Theatre. Baylis had been presenting opera concerts and theatre in London since 1898 and was passionate about providing audiences with the best theatre and opera at affordable prices, a belief that remains today at the heart of English National Opera.

We are very proud and honored that Peter Virdee has been kindly asked to become a patron for the English National Opera. Peter has been supporting the ENO and values their work.

ENO’s work is internationally recognised and we enjoy longstanding relationships with leading artists, directors and conductors. This world-class reputation underpins their many partnerships with houses and festivals around the world where their work is regularly staged.

First Sikh Business Awards

The Worlds First Sikh Awards "Inspiring and encouraging generations around the world..."

Winston Churchill once said ‘British people are highly indebted and obliged to Sikhs for a long time.’

The Sikh Awards took place at Grosvenor House Hotel in London on Sunday October 10th 2010, and will recognise the special contribution Sikhs have made to British society in the fields of business, sport, entertainment, charity, the media, service and education.

Hosting this prestigious event was Ms Sonia Kaur Deol an acclaimed presenter reporter who has worked for the BBC and is at the top of her field. Sonia truly enchanted the stage contributing hugely to the success of the awards. The Judges panel was carefully selected, the UK’s first Asian judge, Sir Mota Singh QC, is among the judges for the Sikh Awards, along side B&S groups own co founder and director Peter Virdee.

The evening was a great success, the honor felt in the ball room by each individual attending not only by the nominees or winners was clearly present.

The clear success of this event is due to the hard work over many months by each individual and a team dedicated to not only make themselves proud but every Sikh around the globe. The event organisers Opulence (www.opulenceinternational.com) kept the whole evening running smoothly and the guests enjoying the ceremony.

Following the inaugaral Sikh Awards, there will be an annual event in different parts of the world. The 2011 Sikh Awards are likely to take place in the USA or Canada, and the Awards are set to return to the UK in 2013.

The Inaugural Saragarhi Cup Polo Match

The British Army Polo Team were crowned champions at a charity match attended by the Prince of Wales, after a nail biting game against a team of India's star players.

The inaugural Saragarhi Cup Polo Match on Saturday saw the army team take on India's Sherdills team in a fundraising challenge in aid of two South Asian charities.

The British Asian Trust and The Bhumi Vardaan Foundation were the beneficiaries of the match, which was held at the Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club near Windsor.

The final score was 4-3 with the British Army Polo Team clinching victory thanks to a last minute goal.

The Prince was on hand to present the trophies and meet guests at a post match reception.

Organised by the Anglo-Sikh Heritage Trail, the event also featured traditional Bhangra music and dance originating from the Punjab region and associated with Sikh farmers celebrating the coming of the harvest season.

Peter Virdee enjoyed the match from the VIP enclosure watching the skill shown from each player and was left impressed by the dedication and sportsmanship shown from both teams

Indian Memorial in Neuve-Chapelle France

On Monday 19th July 2010, Peter Virdee was given the honor of attending and representing fellow sikhs at the Indian Memorial in Neuve-Chapelle in France.

The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall attended the commemoration at Neuve-Chappelle to pay tribute to the sacrifice of Sikh, Muslim and Gurkha troops during the First World War. The memorial commemorates 4,742 Indian soldiers with no known grave who died in the Battle of Neuve-Chappelle.



The memorial was unveiled by the Earl of Birkenhead on 7 October 1927. The Earl of Birkenhead (Frederick Edwin Smith), who was present in his role as Secretary of State for India, had served in France in WWI from 1914 to 1915 as a staff officer with the Indian Corps.

Peter Virdee - NSPCC Patron

Peter Virdee is a full patron of the NSPCC charity and has hosted and sponsored a number of events over the past two years raising money for the charity. He is also an active supporter of other child focussed charities across the world.

Peter Virdee Meets Her Royal Highness

Peter Virdee had the pleasure and honour of meeting the Queen recently at a visit to St James Palace.