The Aga Khan Economic Planning Board (AKEPB) held an ‘Ignite the Spark’ panel debate on 12th March 2015 at The Ismaili Centre in London. The AKEPB’s mandate is to keep the economic status of the Ismaili community under review and improve its economic well-being through various initiatives. The event entitled ‘Economic Outlook 2020’ saw a keynote speech by Alan Higgins, Chief Investment Officer UK at Coutts bank, followed by a panel debate featuring digital entrepreneur Lopa Patel MBE and founder of currency company Rational FX, Rajesh Agrawal, with moderation by BBC business journalist Ramzan Karmali.
The aim of the event was to project the likely economic opportunities and challenges over the next 5 years in the areas of jobs, employment, talent, housing, interest rates, future business / industry growth areas, impact of a Europe In/Out referendum with an opportunity to review funding and investment strategies, succession and exit planning as well as business planning strategies for survival, recovery and growth.
The ‘Ignite the Spark’ initiative was launched 5 years ago to promote entrepreneurship within the Ismaili business community. Other events in the series have include ‘Opportunity Africa’, ‘Business Finance’, ‘Succession Planning’ and ‘Technology & Social Media’ with each event attracting more than 100 participants.
The events are targeted at entrepreneurs and business owners of mainly small to medium sized enterprises across a range of sectors including pharmaceuticals, hotels & hospitality, care homes, opticians, dental, media & communications, property, manufacturing sector, financial services, wholesale, retail, distribution, IT, fund management, drycleaners, solicitors, and others; and also regularly attract professionals from all sectors.
About The Ismaili Centre
The Ismaili Centre is a religious, social and cultural meeting place for the Ismaili Muslim community in the United Kingdom. Opened in 1985 by the then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, it occupies a prominent island site on Cromwell Road, facing the Victoria and Albert Museum on one of the major thoroughfares leading out of London. More recently, His Highness the Aga Khan welcomed His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales to the Centre to commemorate the 25th anniversary.
About The Ismaili Community
The Shia Ismaili Muslims, generally known as the Ismailis, are a community of ethnically and culturally diverse peoples living in over 25 countries around the world, united in their allegiance to His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan (known to the Ismailis as Mawlana Hazar Imam), the 49th hereditary Imam (spiritual leader) and direct descendant of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family). *
* Information from www.theismaili.org