The Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust Reception

Her Majesty The Queen and Peter Virdee

Peter Virdee presenting guest of honour speech at the IES Seminar on Indo-UK Economic Cooperation, New Delhi

IES Seminar, New Delhi 

Peter Virdee Guest of Honour at IES Seminar, New Delhi

In its never ending quest to discuss and strengthen various facets of the economic development of our country, Institute of Economic Studies (IES), organised a seminar on Indo-UK Economic Cooperation.The agenda of the seminar was to assess the Indo-UK relationship vis-à-vis bilateral trade and investment and discuss various strategies to further enhance it. India and the UK today share a very strong and deep relationship, which is formed on broad spectrum ofmutual interests. The UK Prime Minister David Cameron’s two visits to India since 2010 bear testimony to the fact. UK continues to be among India’s major trading partners.

In the field of investment, UK maintained its position as India's third largest FDI investor country, while India was the fifth largest investor in the UK in 2012. About 700 Indian companies have operations in the UK, with The Tata group being the largest private sector employer in the UK. With the joint statement on the India-UK Summit 2013 envisaging a stronger, wider and deeper partnership between the two countries vis-à-vis facilitation of trade and investment, infrastructure, healthcare, education, research, skills and training, exchange of information for tax matters and strategic and security issues, IES brought forth through this seminar a non-partisan, solution-oriented research and racial equity lens on issues being debated on both sides of the turf.Presenting the vote of thanks, Virender Singh, Executive Director, IES said, “India-UK Trade and Economic Relations has always been an important topic of discussion for both sides. As a responsible industry spokesperson keeping a bird’s eye view on  Indian economy, IES has conducted this seminar to provide evidence-based information andbuild a platform for our members to assess the present situation of Indo-UK relations.”

The seminar was inaugurated by Sekhar Dutt, Governor of Chhattisgarh. Bhisma Narayan Singh, former Governor of Tamil Nadu along with Peter Virdee, Partner, B & S Property UK, were the guests of honour for the evening.

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/holding-hands/article4785959.ece

IES Press Release

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Peter Virdee attends Commonwealth Day at Marlborough House with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Kamalesh Sharma & Peter Virdee  

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Kamalesh Sharma & Peter Virdee   

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Kamalesh Sharma & Peter Virdee

His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh & Peter Virdee

His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh & Peter Virdee

http://www.thecommonwealth.org/news/34580/34581/253755/100313queensmessage.htm


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The Virdee Foundation & Peter Virdee Proud to Support the Mane Chance Sanctuary.

I was delighted to attend and support the Mane Chance Sanctuary on Monday 25th February 2012. A star packed gala dinner for a fantastic cause.

http://manechancesanctuary.org/

http://horses.horsealicious.com/p/3997531237/hugh-grant-and-max-clifford-join-forces-to-support-horse-charity-mane-chance-at-gala-dinner

http://www.tatler.com/bystander/events/2013/february/mane-chance-sanctuary-dinner-and-auction#/9518/image/1

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2284463/Hugh-Grant-Max-Clifford-join-forces-support-horse-charity-Mane-Chance-gala-dinner.html

Peter Virdee unveiled as new Sporting Equals Corporate Ambassador

Sporting Equals is honoured to unveil its new Corporate Ambassador Mr Peter Virdee, as part of its Ambassador programme, supporting the future champions programme. This programme aims to help talented and dedicated young black and minority ethnic (BME) individuals to succeed at elite level sport, and serve as valuable role models to encourage other young people to get involved in sport.

Sporting Equals is the national organisation promoting greater participation by the black and minority ethnic population in sport and a healthy lifestyle. The not-for profit organisation, is at the heart of BME communities through its network of 5,000 community organisations. As a national partner of Sport England and strategic advisor to DCMS they have partnership agreements and affiliations with the leading sports governing bodies.

The objective of Future Champions is to recognise, celebrate and inspire. By shining a light on the stars of tomorrow, the programme not only nurtures talent but also encourages participation from other young people from similar backgrounds, motivated to get involved by the success of our Future Champions.

Peter Virdee said “even if I can inspire one child to take up sport, through my Corporate Ambassador role with Sporting Equals, I will be happy”.

Born and bred in the inner cities of Birmingham, earning his first pounds as a car minder, Peter is now a highly established business and property entrepreneur, one of the most iconic Sikh’s across the world. Peter’s journey can serve as an inspiration for other young people including those living in inner city areas. With the right mind set, drive and motivation, Peter experience provides evidence that nothing is impossible.

Peter himself is an avid sportsman, playing badminton, polo and basketball as a way to both get fit and get into a mind frame of self-discipline that has helped him in his journey to business success. Peter believes that sport can provide many benefits and is a key tool to develop youngsters, helping them achieve their potential.

Peter said “There is so much sporting talent in the Asian community, not just in the UK but worldwide. The Asian diaspora is one of the largest globally. Statistically we should be bringing through top talent in the professional sporting arena. However in reality this is not the case. I believe this is largely centred around the lack of encouragement for youngsters to take up sports at a grassroots level and role models to inspire them. We need to re-educate our community and try and change these mind-sets, especially those of the third generation parents. Investment should be targeted, developing facilities in inner city areas with high levels of social deprivation including cities with high concentration of Asian communities to further encourage them to get involved in sport”.


Arun Kang CEO at Sporting Equals said, “On behalf of the board and the team we are delighted to welcome Peter as a Corporate Ambassador. Peter brings a wealth of experience, drive, vision and strong networks all will considerably enhance our offer. As a philanthropist he has supported numerous good causes and charities both at home and abroad and has witnessed how sport can be utilised to bring communities together”.
Peter said, “As my offices are based in Central London, I witnessed firsthand the energy around London during the summer it was truly incredible. Bridging gaps in society as well as highlighting the many sports that are available for youngsters to participate in. The time is now to build on the positives that the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic games have left, carrying forward the legacy as we should be encouraging more young people into sport”.

“Through my role as an Ambassador of Sporting Equals, I will work with the organisation to make this happen. I believe in giving back to the community, and via Sporting Equals I will further help build a better future for kids in our community. The key is to polish these ‘un-cut’ diamonds from the Asian community and develop them into the bright sports persons that we all know they can be”.

Commenting on the Future Champions programme Peter said, “I was ecstatic watching the Bhangra dancers at the opening ceremony. This showcased the Asian community’s strong presence in the UK. However what was disappointing was the lack of Asians in the top tier, participating and winning medals”.

Arun said “London 2012 showed the very low number of British Asian’s participating in the Olympic and Paralympic games, and Peter will help to increase interest within Asian families, businesses, communities and faith centres to ensure British Asians are not missing at Olympic and Paralympic games in the future”.

Peter added “Hopefully this will kick start the Asian community to get into sports, however, this will take time and the right encouragement for youngsters at a grassroots level to help us find more elite talent through this programme. I am confident that we will be watching British Asians winning the gold’s, silver’s and bronze medals in years to come”.

Notes for Editors:
Sporting Equals exists to actively promote greater participation by the black and minority ethnic population in sport and a healthy lifestyle. It is a not-for profit organisation. We have a strong national network of delivery partners on the ground, at the heart of BME communities. We also have partnership agreements and affiliations with the leading sports governing bodies. Our job is to bring these two networks together in order to:
- increase participation
- open up a vast new pool of talent for sport in the UK
- offer opportunities for talented sportsmen and women
- change outdated attitudes and assumptions
- enable BME communities to access sports and fitness facilities
- share the social, personal and health benefits of an active life more widely

For more information, please contact David Mbaziira, Head of Marketing & Communications on 0121 777 1375.

For further information about Sporting Equals, please visit the website at www.sportingequals.org.uk.


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Rolls-Royce Invites Customers For Exclusive Dinner in Assembly Plant

Rolls-Royce invited a select 100 customers to “dine on the line”, transforming the factory where all Rolls cars are hand built into an exclusive event. 

Rolls-Royce invited a select 100 customers to “dine on the line”, transforming the factory where all Rolls cars are hand built into an exclusive event. I was fortunate enough to be invited along with other select customers who were introduced to some of the skilled men and women who are responsible for putting these cars together, and even got to try their hand at applying the perfect coat of paint on a Phantom Extended Wheelbase. The occasion was used to introduce the attendees to the Phantom Series II lineup. 

Along with the Phantom, a slew of classic 1930′s Rolls-Royce cars were displayed in the dining room

BUSINESS SECRETARY PAYS TRIBUTE TO BRITISH SIKHS AT VAISAKHI AS NEW FUND TO SUPPORT SIKH ENTREPRENEURS IS ANNOUNCED - 10 APRIL 2012

The Business, Innovation and Skills Secretary, Dr Vince Cable MP, has paid tribute to British Sikhs during Vaisakhi – at an event where the “Turbanology: Sikh Unwrapped’ exhibition went on display for the first time in London. 

Speaking about how Sikhs contribute to prosperity in Britain, Dr Cable highlighted the importance of the links the community provide with India – and defended the need to continue giving aid to the subcontinent to address issues such as poverty. 

The audience heard from a panel of leading Sikh business leaders who discussed how they had developed their enterprises – and how they hope to support the development of future Sikh talent. 

Business Tycoon, Peter Singh Virdee, announced a new fund to be launched later this year, solely for Sikhs who have a cutting edge idea are in need of finance. This group of prominent Sikhs in British business lead by Mr Virdee, would advise, nurture and guide any worldwide Sikh initiative, to ensure the creation of more wealth and prosperity in the hands of the Sikh community. 

Mr Virdee described how he felt there was a gap in the market to support creative ideas with a soft loan, without the obligation to take profit or shares. 

The evening was the first in a special week long series of events marking the 313th anniversary of the creation of the Khalsa Brotherhood – a pivotal moment in 1699 which defined the Sikh community. ‘Turbanology at Vaisakhi’ incorporates the key components of the ‘Sikhs Unwrapped’ exhibition with a new film commission by hosts Ernst & Young Sikh Group which captures prominent Sikhs speaking out about what their Turban identity means to them. 

Jay Singh-Sohal, event host and exhibition director remarked, “It’s been a fantastic event – the Sikh community have made a tremendous impact upon British life and the economy so bringing this to light through our exhibition and speaker events at such an important time for Sikhs is a great way to celebrate the best we have to offer in Britain.” 

The exhibition will run until Friday 13th April with a further special panel being held on Thursday 12th April looking at how Sikhs are perceived in media and abroad. The evening event will feature a special screening of the new BBC documentary “The Story of the Turban.”