The University of West London held the first Asian family business conference at a UK university, with minister Sajid Javid among the special guests.

Asian-owned companies contribute more than £200 billion a year to the UK economy, and employ 300,000 people in London.

At the university’s Ealing campus site on October 6, the Asian Family Business Conference put this vital sector in the spotlight with speakers including the Mr Javid, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Claude Littner, UWL Visiting Professor and co-star of The Apprentice and distribution tycoon Rami Ranger CBE.

Among the speakers at the conference were people from different generations with experience of working in successful family companies, with several lively debates taking place.

Delegates and guests also enjoyed a gala dinner at UWL’s award-winning restaurant Pillars, prepared by world-renowned chef Cyrus Todiwala OBE, who led a team of student cooks and waiters from the London Geller College of Hospitality and Tourism to prepare the meal. 

Mr Javid said: “It’s great that the Asian family business conference and the University of West London are through this event celebrating the contribution of Asian businesses to our society.

“Contributing as much as 10 per cent towards the UK economy, Asian businesses continue to be a powerful force in British society.”

UWL Vice-Chancellor Professor Peter John, said: “This was the first Asian family business conference in a UK university and it was a wonderful and very interesting event.

“I would like to thank the Secretary of State for being part of the occasion and the many other distinguished guests, including Rami Ranger, for taking part in this landmark event.”