HSBC UK | South Asian Heritage Month Conference 2025
HSBC convened a conference on 15th August 2024 with three internationally renowned high-net-worth clients, each representing South Asian heritage. They discussed their developmental journeys, the obstacles they encountered in their personal and professional lives, and how they effectively leveraged their values in the business sphere. Their experiences demonstrate how they built their fortunes from the ground up and gained widespread respect within South Asian communities across the globe.
Ranbir Kaur
International Rangoli and Textile artist
Television Presenter
Educator
Dr A J. Nasir Awan MBE DL
CEO of Awan Marketing International Ltd
Deputy Lieutenant to His Majesty the King’s Lord Lieutenant West Midlands
Visiting Professor at Birmingham City University
President of Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce
Dishoom Restaurant
Ranked #4, Times Best Places to Work For in the UK, 2021
Ranked #12, Best Places to Work for in the UK, 2021
Best Restaurant Scotland, British Curry Awards, 2021
Employer of the Year, R200 Restaurant Awards 2021
Ranked #19, Sunday Times Top 100 Companies to Work for, 2017
Best Overall Operator – under 20 sites – Restaurant Magazine R200, 2017
Most Admired Brand – CGA, Peach Heroes and Icon Awards, 2018
Restaurateur of the Year (Group) – The Catey's, 2018
Diversity in Business – Edinburgh Business Award, 2018
Best Breakfast Destination – The Scottish Food Awards, 2017
Best Small Group – Good Food Guide UK, 2017
Best Restaurant in the UK – Yelp! reviewers 2015 and 2016
Best Casual Dining, British Curry Awards – winner, 2014 & 2016
The culmination of South Asian Heritage Month took place on the 15th of August, aligning with Indian Independence Day and preceding Pakistan Independence Day on the 14th of August 2024.
David Barnes, Head of HSBC UK Internal Audit, served as the Embrace Executive Sponsor and led an uplifting panel discussion showcasing stories of success, resilience, and impactful contributions across various fields.
Ranbir Kaur
Ranbir Kaur recounted her inspiring journey from leaving India to achieving international recognition as a Rangoli and Textile Artist and TV presenter. She shared her story of perseverance and creativity, offering valuable insights into her personal and family life. She also highlighted the significant progress aspiring entrepreneurs can make today with the abundance of available resources.
Dr. A J. Nasir Awan MBE DL
Dr. A J. Nasir Awan MBE DL graciously shared his childhood experiences of growing up in Pakistan and then moving to the UK. He also reflected on the pivotal choices he made later in life and offered valuable insights into his impressive journey in the business world, highlighting how he successfully ascended to the position of CEO at one of the UK’s largest wholesale businesses.
Harriet Fay Giles
During the event, Harriet Fay Giles from Dishoom Restaurant discussed the impressive business ethos and working culture at Dishoom. She also highlighted the restaurant's charitable efforts, which led to the donation of 23 million free meals to children in need.
The event not only celebrates heritage during the month but also encourages individuals to embrace and take pride in their ethnicity throughout the year.
