NPH Ethnic Minority Business and Policy Forum

19/06/2026

Yesterday, business leaders, academics, policymakers, and innovators came together at Leeds Beckett University for India Meets North of England: Powering UK SMEs with AI Innovation Labs.

The event marked the launch of a thought-provoking whitepaper exploring how AI can help address the North's productivity gap and support SMEs to become more competitive, productive, and future-ready.

A huge thank you to our speakers and panellists:

- Canon Simon Baldwin, Leeds Beckett University
- Ani Kaprekar, Tech India Advocates
- Ganapathy Sankarabaaham, Vajra Global India & XITE Create UK
- Richard Hall, Design Council Expert
- Jashan Patel, MoonSpring AI

Expertly moderated by our Managing Director Sharon Jandu OBE, the discussion focused on practical AI adoption rather than AI hype, exploring how SMEs can move from awareness to action and implement their first AI use case within as little as ten weeks.

One of the strongest messages from the afternoon was clear: AI is no longer a future conversation for SMEs, it is a present opportunity. The challenge now is ensuring businesses have the confidence, support, and practical pathways to adopt it successfully.

A massive thank you to our event partners and attendees who contributed to such an engaging and forward-looking discussion.

View the Whitepaper Here - https://xite.ai/whitepaper/india-meets-north-of-england-powering-uk-smes-with-ai-innovation-labs/

| Simmy Sekhon | Sharon Kaur Jandu | Leeds Beckett University | West Yorkshire Combined Authority | Association of International Accountants | Adams FoodService | Palm Cove Society | British Business Bank | Bradford College | Ideas | The Piece Hall | Leeds University Business School | African Business Association | Federation of Small Businesses | Ab Connexions | SME Centre of Excellence | Yorkshire Businesswoman | Asian Business Leaders | International Space Station | Yorkshire Asian Business Association | Sekhon Group | Quantuma Advisory Limited | Oxford Innovation Services Ltd | Department for Business & Trade | Aeroservices | fds Director Services Limited | Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors | Barratt Homes | RBC Brewin Dolphin | University of York | Sage | Dare to Succeed | Northern | FB Fashion Ball & National Business Hero Awards | Pagabo | Oldham Council | SKA Developments | Tech India Advocates |

18/06/2026

Yesterday marked a major milestone as we hosted the first round of NPH / Bradford College Employer Board meetings, bringing together leaders and industry experts across Sports & UPS, Catering, Travel & Tourism, Creative Industries, Art & Design.

These boards play a vital role in shaping Bradford College’s curriculum, strengthening employer partnerships, and ensuring learners gain the skills, experience, and opportunities they need to thrive in the region’s future workforce.

A huge thank you to all the employers, partners, and industry leaders who joined us to share insights, highlight emerging skills needs, and explore new ways to collaborate on placements, T Levels, mentoring, industry projects, and more. Your expertise directly influences the next generation of talent and we’re proud to work alongside you.

If you’re an employer and would like to join one of the NPH / Bradford College Employer Boards, please contact [email protected] for more information.

| Simmy Sekhon | Sharon Kaur Jandu | Leeds Beckett University | West Yorkshire Combined Authority | Association of International Accountants | Adams FoodService | Palm Cove Society | British Business Bank | Bradford College | Ideas | The Piece Hall | Leeds University Business School | African Business Association | Federation of Small Businesses | Ab Connexions | SME Centre of Excellence | Yorkshire Businesswoman | Asian Business Leaders | International Space Station | Yorkshire Asian Business Association | Sekhon Group | Quantuma Advisory Limited | Oxford Innovation Services Ltd | Department for Business & Trade | Aeroservices | fds Director Services Limited | Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors | Barratt Homes | RBC Brewin Dolphin | University of York | Sage | Dare to Succeed | Northern | FB Fashion Ball & National Business Hero Awards | Pagabo | Oldham Council | SKA Developments | Tech India Advocates |

17/06/2026

Join us in Leeds tomorrow for India Meets North of England: Launch of Whitepaper – Powering UK SMEs with AI Innovation Labs!

- Thursday 18th June 2026
- 12:00pm – 2:00pm
- The Knowledge Exchange, Leeds Beckett University, The Rose Bowl, Portland Crescent, LS1 3HB

Join business leaders, policymakers, academics, and innovators for the launch of a new whitepaper exploring how AI Innovation Labs can support the growth, productivity, and competitiveness of SMEs across the UK.

This event will bring together an esteemed panel and senior stakeholders to discuss opportunities for innovation, collaboration, and stronger UK–India business engagement.

Don't miss this opportunity to gain insights, build valuable connections, and be part of the conversation shaping the future of SME innovation in the North of England.

Register now to secure your place: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/india-meets-north-of-england-tickets-1990851267734

| Simmy Sekhon | Sharon Kaur Jandu | Leeds Beckett University | West Yorkshire Combined Authority | Association of International Accountants | Adams FoodService | Palm Cove Society | British Business Bank | Bradford College | Ideas | The Piece Hall | Leeds University Business School | African Business Association | Federation of Small Businesses | Ab Connexions | SME Centre of Excellence | Yorkshire Businesswoman | Asian Business Leaders | International Space Station | Yorkshire Asian Business Association | Sekhon Group | Quantuma Advisory Limited | Oxford Innovation Services Ltd | Department for Business & Trade | Aeroservices | fds Director Services Limited | Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors | Barratt Homes | RBC Brewin Dolphin | University of York | Sage | Dare to Succeed | Northern | FB Fashion Ball & National Business Hero Awards | Pagabo | Oldham Council | SKA Developments | Tech India Advocates |

11/06/2026

Register Now: India Meets North of England: Launch of Whitepaper – Powering UK SMEs with AI Innovation Labs!

- Thursday 18th June 2026
- 12:00pm – 2:00pm
- The Knowledge Exchange, Leeds Beckett University, The Rose Bowl, Portland Crescent, LS1 3HB

Join business leaders, policymakers, academics, and innovators for the launch of a new whitepaper exploring how AI Innovation Labs can support the growth, productivity, and competitiveness of SMEs across the UK.

This event will bring together an esteemed panel and senior stakeholders to discuss opportunities for innovation, collaboration, and stronger UK–India business engagement.

Don't miss this opportunity to gain insights, build valuable connections, and be part of the conversation shaping the future of SME innovation in the North of England.

Register now to secure your place: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/india-meets-north-of-england-tickets-1990851267734

| Simmy Sekhon | Sharon Kaur Jandu | Leeds Beckett University | West Yorkshire Combined Authority | Association of International Accountants | Adams FoodService | Palm Cove Society | British Business Bank | Bradford College | Ideas | The Piece Hall | Leeds University Business School | African Business Association | Federation of Small Businesses | Ab Connexions | SME Centre of Excellence | Yorkshire Businesswoman | Asian Business Leaders | International Space Station | Yorkshire Asian Business Association | Sekhon Group | Quantuma Advisory Limited | Oxford Innovation Services Ltd | Department for Business & Trade | Aeroservices | fds Director Services Limited | Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors | Barratt Homes | RBC Brewin Dolphin | University of York | Sage | Dare to Succeed | Northern | FB Fashion Ball & National Business Hero Awards | Pagabo | Oldham Council | SKA Developments | Tech India Advocates |

Launch of Whitepaper – Powering UK SMEs with AI Innovation Labs

10/06/2026

UK–India Roadshow 2026 | Registration now live!

Ready to grow your business in one of the world’s fastest‐growing major economies?

The UK–India Free Trade Agreement is set to transform how UK businesses trade with India, opening new opportunities through tariff reductions, improved market access and streamlined regulation.

This June, join the UK–India Roadshow 2026, a nationwide series of events designed to help UK businesses enter, scale and succeed in India.

What you’ll explore
- How the FTA can reduce costs and improve competitiveness
- High‐growth, sector‐specific opportunities aligned to regional strengths
- Practical exporting advice via expert sessions and 1:1 support
- Connections with market specialists, business support organisations and
potential buyers

📍 Leeds | Belfast | Edinburgh | Cardiff | Birmingham | Manchester
📅 17–25 June 2026

Register today to secure your place.
https://eu.eventscloud.com/website/19811/?utm_source=Partner&utm_medium=Promotion&utm_campaign=India_FTA_Roadshow



| Simmy Sekhon | Sharon Kaur Jandu | Leeds Beckett University | West Yorkshire Combined Authority | Association of International Accountants | Adams FoodService | Palm Cove Society | British Business Bank | Bradford College | Ideas | The Piece Hall | Leeds University Business School | African Business Association | Federation of Small Businesses | Ab Connexions | SME Centre of Excellence | Yorkshire Businesswoman | Asian Business Leaders | International Space Station | Yorkshire Asian Business Association | Sekhon Group | Quantuma Advisory Limited | Oxford Innovation Services Ltd | Department for Business & Trade | Aeroservices | fds Director Services Limited | Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors | Barratt Homes | RBC Brewin Dolphin | University of York | Sage | Dare to Succeed | Northern | FB Fashion Ball & National Business Hero Awards | Pagabo | Oldham Council | SKA Developments | Tech India Advocates |

05/06/2026

Register Now: India Meets North of England: Launch of Whitepaper – Powering UK SMEs with AI Innovation Labs!

- Thursday 18th June 2026
- 12:00pm – 2:00pm
- The Knowledge Exchange, Leeds Beckett University, The Rose Bowl, Portland Crescent, LS1 3HB

Join business leaders, policymakers, academics, and innovators for the launch of a new whitepaper exploring how AI Innovation Labs can support the growth, productivity, and competitiveness of SMEs across the UK.

This event will bring together an esteemed panel and senior stakeholders to discuss opportunities for innovation, collaboration, and stronger UK–India business engagement.

Don't miss this opportunity to gain insights, build valuable connections, and be part of the conversation shaping the future of SME innovation in the North of England.

Register now to secure your place: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/india-meets-north-of-england-tickets-1990851267734

| Simmy Sekhon | Sharon Kaur Jandu | Leeds Beckett University | West Yorkshire Combined Authority | Association of International Accountants | Adams FoodService | Palm Cove Society | British Business Bank | Bradford College | Ideas | The Piece Hall | Leeds University Business School | African Business Association | Federation of Small Businesses | Ab Connexions | SME Centre of Excellence | Yorkshire Businesswoman | Asian Business Leaders | International Space Station | Yorkshire Asian Business Association | Sekhon Group | Quantuma Advisory Limited | Oxford Innovation Services Ltd | Department for Business & Trade | Aeroservices | fds Director Services Limited | Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors | Barratt Homes | RBC Brewin Dolphin | University of York | Sage | Dare to Succeed | Northern | FB Fashion Ball & National Business Hero Awards | Pagabo | Oldham Council | SKA Developments | Tech India Advocates |

04/06/2026

We were delighted to host Building the Future of Family Enterprise: An Exclusive Founders' Dinner in partnership with the University of York at the historic Guildhall in York.

The evening brought together an exceptional group of founders, business owners, academics and sector leaders to explore the vital role family businesses play in driving economic growth, creating employment, strengthening communities and building long-term prosperity across the North of England.

Hosted by Professor Charlie Jeffery CBE, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of York, alongside Professor Kiran Trehan and Mary Haworth, the dinner provided an opportunity to discuss ambitious plans for a new Family Business Research Centre and the importance of strengthening collaboration between academia and family enterprises.

The discussion highlighted the extraordinary contribution of family businesses, particularly those led by ethnic minority entrepreneurs, whose innovation, resilience and commitment continue to shape industries, support local economies and create opportunities for future generations.

A sincere thank you to all of our guests for their insights, engagement and support. The calibre of leadership, experience and expertise in the room demonstrated the strength of family enterprise across Yorkshire and the wider Northern Powerhouse region.

We look forward to continuing these conversations and working together to build stronger connections between research, policy and business, ensuring that family enterprises receive the recognition, support and influence they deserve.

03/06/2026

We were delighted to launch the NPH Ethnic Minority Powerlist 2026 at the House of Lords, hosted by Lord Bilimoria.

The event brought together an exceptional gathering of business leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, academics and community champions to celebrate the outstanding contributions of ethnic minority leaders who are helping to shape the economic, social and cultural landscape of the North of England.

We were privileged to hear from a fantastic line-up of speakers, including our Director Sharon Jandu OBE, Canon Simon Baldwin, Sasha Harden, Jennifer Winyard, Graham Lowes, Alex Wright, Philip Turnbull, Shahban Aziz, Ani Kaprekar, Ammar Mirza CBE and Rashmi Singh, before closing remarks from Lord Bilimoria.

The event also marked the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding between the NPH Business & Policy Forum and FICCI, strengthening opportunities for collaboration, trade, investment and business engagement between the UK and India.

The Powerlist continues to shine a spotlight on exceptional individuals whose leadership, innovation and impact are driving positive change across business, public service, education, health, culture and community leadership. As we begin the 2026 Powerlist journey, we look forward to recognising and celebrating the remarkable talent, influence and achievement that exists across the North.

A huge thank you to all of our partners, patrons, sponsors, judges and supporters who joined us to launch this year's Powerlist. Your continued commitment helps us champion diverse leadership, create meaningful connections and ensure that talented individuals from ethnic minority communities receive the recognition they deserve.

| Simmy Sekhon | Sharon Kaur Jandu | Leeds Beckett University | West Yorkshire Combined Authority | Association of International Accountants | Adams FoodService | Palm Cove Society | British Business Bank | Bradford College | Ideas | The Piece Hall | Leeds University Business School | African Business Association | Federation of Small Businesses | Ab Connexions | SME Centre of Excellence | Yorkshire Businesswoman | Asian Business Leaders | International Space Station | Yorkshire Asian Business Association | Sekhon Group | Quantuma Advisory Limited | Oxford Innovation Services Ltd | Department for Business & Trade | Aeroservices | fds Director Services Limited | Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors | Barratt Homes | RBC Brewin Dolphin | University of York | Sage | Dare to Succeed | Northern | FB Fashion Ball & National Business Hero Awards | Pagabo | Oldham Council | SKA Developments | Tech India Advocates |

02/06/2026

Today we were delighted to host our Private Roundtable on Infrastructure, Property, Construction & Sustainability at the House of Lords.

Bringing together senior leaders from business, policy, academia and the built environment sector, the discussion explored how we can drive sustainable growth, accelerate infrastructure investment, strengthen regional development, and create more inclusive opportunities across the North of England.

Chaired by Lord Bilimoria, the roundtable focused on key themes including:

• Major infrastructure and regeneration projects
• Innovation in construction and modern methods of delivery
• Sustainability and net-zero ambitions
• Social value, skills and inclusive procurement
• Leadership and the future of the Northern built environment

Thank you to all those who joined us and contributed their insights, expertise and perspectives. The quality of discussion demonstrated the importance of collaboration between industry, policymakers and communities in shaping a more sustainable, innovative and inclusive future for our regions.

| Simmy Sekhon | Sharon Kaur Jandu | Leeds Beckett University | West Yorkshire Combined Authority | Association of International Accountants | Adams FoodService | Palm Cove Society | British Business Bank | Bradford College | Ideas | The Piece Hall | Leeds University Business School | African Business Association | Federation of Small Businesses | Ab Connexions | SME Centre of Excellence | Yorkshire Businesswoman | Asian Business Leaders | International Space Station | Yorkshire Asian Business Association | Sekhon Group | Quantuma Advisory Limited | Oxford Innovation Services Ltd | Department for Business & Trade | Aeroservices | fds Director Services Limited | Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors | Barratt Homes | RBC Brewin Dolphin | University of York | Sage | Dare to Succeed | Northern | FB Fashion Ball & National Business Hero Awards | Pagabo | Oldham Council | SKA Developments | Tech India Advocates |