Focus Dinner with Ammar Mirza CBE

With infectious enthusiasm, a warm reception and a passion for helping others, Ammar Mirza CBE is a man on a mission: to propel the North East to new heights. 

Born and raised in Newcastle by Pakistani parents, it was Ammar’s mother and father (both teachers) who instilled in him a strong work ethic and entrepreneurial drive. 

These values led him to create the Asian Business Connexions (ABC) in 2009 to tackle inequalities, promote community cohesion and address the lack of access to existing business support programmes amongst the Asian community in the region. 

Fifteen years later and ABC has grown to represent the entire Northern Powerhouse Region and is a lead member of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for BAME Businesses. 

In 2016, he launched the SME Centre of Excellence, which has played a pivotal role in supporting over 12,000 businesses through a range of accelerator, scale, investor and innovation programmes.  

Ammar’s achievements, meanwhile, don’t stop there. Having devoted over 16 years as Chair of Governors at Tyneview Primary School, Ammar has become a beacon of support for a generation in one of England’s most deprived areas.  

Plus, as Chair of the Business Growth Board, and a main board member for the North East Local Enterprise Partnership, Ammar is helping to create opportunities for businesses in our region at the strategic local government level.  

To top it all off, tune into Spice FM every Friday at 10am and you’ll hear Ammar discuss the hottest business topics and news! 

In recognition of his achievements, in 2014, Ammar was awarded a CBE for services to business and the community. In 2021, he was named Honorary Colonel 101 of the Northern Gunners by the late Queen Elizabeth II. 

Join us at our upcoming focus dinner and discover more about Ammar’s journey in promoting equality throughout the North East Asian community and how, through his many different roles, he’s serving the region with pride, passion and positivity. 

The Small Print - This event is exclusively for entrepreneurial members of the Forum and costs £75+VAT for a three-course meal, payable in advance. 

By registering to attend this dinner you agree that your place is non-transferrable. We are unable to reimburse this cost if cancellations are received after 12noon on Friday 15^th March 2024.