United, we can save economy - Chaudhry
Arshad Chaudhry has called on businesses from all sectors to unite and help get Britain's economy back on the road to success. The rallying cry from the chairman of the Asian Business Development Network (ABDN) in Yorkshire comes as Insider has joined forces with his group in a major new partnership aimed at driving the local economy forward, forging new connections and highlighting all that is great about our diverse business community.
Just weeks after stunning guests at the recent ABDN awards in Leeds by revealing he is fighting terminal cancer, the Leeds-based business figure explained he has not given up the fight for multicultural harmony or his life.
Cancer has already claimed the life of his son and Chaudhry has beaten the disease himself once before, but despite it relapsing he remains remarkably optimistic. He said: "The doctors don’t get to decide my destiny – only God writes my destiny. I believe that, in spite of all the odds, I shall overcome this challenge."
Chaudhry claims it is vital to nurture multiculturalism and harmony and attacked recent government criticism of black and minority ethnic communities.
He said: "In difficult times people tend to blame each other – we have to look beyond that. Regardless of whether it's about colour, religion, the sector they’re in or even the north-south divide, it's not important. All businesses have the same problems and we all have to work together.
"We are all guilty of sometimes not speaking the same business language, but together we can be the driving force that gets Britain back on the road to success."
Under the new partnership, Insider will act as the official media partner of ABDN helping to promote the work of the organisation, it’s new membership package and its members.
Chaudhry hailed the move as "very positive" and believes it will help to develop lucrative new partnerships between all our communities and sectors across the county.
He said: "ABDN’s campaign this year is 'Aiming High' and we believe this new partnership with the county’s leading business publication will help to not only raise the profile of our work and the incredible achievements of our members, but it will also help to develop valuable new friendships and partnerships between communities who might not have otherwise considered working with each other.
“"’m very excited about what the future holds now ABDN and Insider are working together to help promote businesses in Yorkshire."
For more about the in-depth interview with Chaudhry, pick up the May edition of Insider magazine.
