About Us
Who are we?
ABConnexions was founded by Ammar Mirza CBE and Jalf Ali in 2009. This non-profit social enterprise was established to help address inequality, promote community cohesion and the lack of access from the minority community to existing business support programmes. In the years since then, ABC has become the face of inclusion across the North of England via the launch of the 'Inclusion By Default' campaign back in early 2020, which is a campaign that is striving to make the North East the most inclusive region in England by the end of 2025. This campaign has been aided from partnership with Yohlar who launched the Inclusive Innovation Framework (IIF), a workshop that organisations can take, that moves past the standard tick box approach to inclusion that many organisations do. Providing an action-oriented, person-centred methodology that truly changes beliefs and behaviours. This support and strive for inclusion takes form in numerous ways, such as our sell-out ABCurry club events, interesting insights into business growth through SpiceFM, and our end of year ABC Awards where we celebrate people who have been nominated for their work in their organisation. Our campaign to make the North East the most inclusive region is ever growing and we would love to see you join us.
Our Founder
Ammar Mirza CBE
Ammar Mirza CBE is a sought after leadership & business management consultant, and a serial entrepreneur with interests and investments across a number of sectors. Over a 15 year period he has helped establish several hundred new businesses within the North East.
As chairman and founder of Asian Business Connexions, Ammar has helped make a significant social and economic impact across the Globe.
In 2016 Ammar has helped launch the Primary Inspiration through Enterprise (PIE) Project Charity introducing enterprise activities into Primary Schools and represented the Private Sector on various Local Strategic Partnerships including the Learning Challenge and City Deal within Newcastle.
His other positions include board member on the North East Local Enterprise Partnership (NELEP), chair of Newcastle Progression Forum, chair of governors at Tyneview Primary School, and founder of the SME Centre of Excellence.
Our events
We hold a fantastic monthly event under the name ABCurry Club. The ABCurry Club is a unique opportunity to engage with some of the most prominent and influential people in the North East. All joined by members of the Asian and wider business community, with one common vision – to Connect, Support and Promote, one another.
We also host the glamorous Annual Awards Ceremony. The event will be filled with fun and celebration, as well as awards to be presented to Asian businesses and individuals for their significant and sustained contribution to the social and economic well-being of the North East.