Lloyds Banking Group All Set to Honour International Icons in Philanthropy and Business

Tuesday 18th October will see some of the world's most successful Asian stars in business, philanthropy, music, sport, the arts, science and cinema gather at the Asian Awards in London to celebrate the greatest achievers across all walks of life.

The Asian community plays a vital role in the UK economy contributing 6 per cent alone to the UK GDP, from just 4% of the population*. So investment for growth is bound to be a key discussion point at the Asian Awards this year when a host of inspiring business leaders including Yoganathan Ratheesan, CEO, Lebara; James Caan , CEO, Hamilton Bradshaw; Surinder Arora , CEO and Founder, Arora Hotels; Dr KP Singh, Chairman of DLF, the world's largest real estate company; and Anand Mahindra , Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Mahindra & Mahindra; will gather to honour outstanding achievers born in or with direct family origin from the South Asian diaspora.

Lloyds Banking Group is sponsoring two awards categories including Business Leader of the Year and Philanthropist of the Year and is all set to host some of the World's most successful and influential business leaders and philanthropists at The Asian Awards in London .

"       said Kamel Hothi , Asian Markets Director, Lloyds Banking Group and Asian Awards judge.

During the first half of 2011, Lloyds Banking Group provided £21.2 billion of committed gross lending to UK businesses, of which £6.7 billion was to SMEs, as part of its commitment to support and stimulate business growth.

"           ," added Hothi.

The Asian Awards launched to enormous acclaim in 2010, attracting some of the sub continent's most important figures including Ratan Tata who won the Lloyds Banking Group Business Leader of the Year award in 2010. Since Ratan Tata stepped in as chairman of Tata Sons , the company has become a global force, acquiring international brands such as Corus, Jaguar, Tetley, and Land Rover, broadening its market base at home with new products such as the Tata Nano, and continuing to employ people in more than 22 countries.

* British Asian Trust