I am all for recognising people’s achievements. But it is what they have done not how they are rewarded which really counts 

Good luck and best wishes to all the contenders for the IAB Annual Dinner Awards at the ICC in Birmingham tomorrow night.

Although the Institute of Asian Business is firmly grounded in its origins in and around the Pakistani Asian business community in Birmingham it’s achievements and aspirations reflect a countrywide mood of all Asian businesses.The event is spot on in its tone and intention. The mixture of recognition for business excellence and ingenuity combined with accolades for institutions which benefit a community is a model to be applauded. In amongst the awards for industry is a category dedicated to highlighting those organisations which have made a significant contribution to society. Nominated are the Birmingham Children’s Hospital NHS foundation, the Edwards Trust (which supports families during illness and bereavement and has TV presenter Nick Owen as patron) and the Northfield Ecocentre

The guest list and nominees for the awards are a ‘who’s who’ of excellence. The guest speaker is Raminder Singh Ranger. He began his working life as a cook at Kentucky Fried Chicken on 35 pence an hour. He now manages a string of KFC outlets across the country and is a multiple winner of the Queen’s Awards for Export and Enterprise.

Awards and achievements in business aside the main attraction will be 16-year-old Malala Yousafzai. Malala’s actions and the terrible price she paid for standing up to oppression changed world thinking. Her commitment and dedication to her own community gained recognition across the planet.

Malala didn’t win the Nobel Peace Prize this year – although she was tipped to do so. She didn’t need to win. Awards are one thing…they are a form of recognition. It is what you actually do which really matters.