The new & exciting network for dynamic, talented and enterprising British Bengalis. BritBangla aims to raise the profile of BritBengalis and celebrate the achievements made by British Bengalis.

Patron: The Baroness Uddin Honorary members: Shahin Badar and Monica Ali

BritBangla’s continual aim is to raise the BritBengali profile, highlight up and coming and inspirational BritBengalis. Profiles of some successful British Bengali achievement stories are now on the website at: http://www.britbangla.net/successprofiles.html. It includes Ruby Hammer, the world renowned beauty make-up artist for the celebrities, Sarwar Ahmed, Publisher of ASIANA and Anwar Uddin, the only Bengali professional footballer in England.

News on our members: Zafreen Rahman, with your support with Bolly Idol competition, got the part in the musical Precious Bazaar (you can go and see her at the Riverside Studios, London, July 22-25), Pasha Razzo will again be showcasing his fashion at the London Fashion Week in September, the biannual showcase for British designer fashion (www.pasharazzo.com), young filmmaker Monshur Alam’s just completed his new film ‘Movies’ (www.alambrothers.co.uk) and Naz Choudhury was recently on CH4’s ‘Risking it All’ about his new business venture Real Burger World (www.realburgerworld.com). Naz is giving BritBangla members 25% discount at his restaurant, to print off voucher see: http://www.britbangla.net/offers.html.

The recent charity fundraiser hit the media headlines with Bangla media coverage. At the charity event The Baroness Uddin, announced she was proud to be associated with BritBangla and its work. Mr M.A Salam, Minister Consular for Bangladesh High Commission, stated the importance of the young British Bengali generation to take interest in Bangladesh and assist in the country’s socio-economic development; and has invited to work with BritBangla. The charity event was a fusion of the duel British and Bengali culture and profiled the talented kathak dance artist Amina Khayyum, singer Bethany Brooks who trained to specialise in Tagore songs, Romie Ali’s new album and BritBangla member singer Kamran Ahmed. Thanks to those BritBangla members and raffle donators who supported in the fundraising of £2000 for the orphanage in Bangladesh.

Fundraising for your sponsored child Arifa: charity raffle
Your sponsored child, 6 year old Arifa in Bangladesh, will require continual funds to support her for the next 10 years for her to achieve her ambition to be a teacher. A small gift has been sent to her.
Arifa has drawn a flower to the members. Translation of her letter and her village programme update is also available on the website. Letters at: http://www.britbangla.net/charity.html#letters.
Please do also write to her, as it is important to maintain communication. Recent members who wish to see Arifa’s photo do get in touch–it is not placed on the website to keep her family privacy and to protect her identity. To send your letters please contact Taryn at: taryn@britbangla.net.

To fundraise for Arifa’s sponsorship, Tommy Miah, entrepreneur/celebrity chef, has offered a voucher for complimentary accommodation for 2 in the Maharaja Suite (Original Raj Hotel, Edinburgh) with buffet continental/Indian breakfast and meal for 2 at the Raj Restaurant on the shore, Edinburgh. http://www.rajempire.com/.
If anyone wish to purchase this fabulous prize then please contact Taryn at taryn@britbangla.net

Less than 4 women in 100 start a business in the UK
· Women-owned businesses create employment, wealth and stimulate industry
· Barriers to the growth of women-owned businesses impact economies
A study published this month by the British Chambers of Commerce shows the UK has a very poor record in encouraging women to start their own businesses. Fewer than 4 women in 100 in the UK are starting businesses, while twice as many take the plunge in the US, Australia and New Zealand. Entrepreneurial British women are held back by the lack of role models, managerial experience, affordable childcare, business skills and access to finance. The UK's DTI recently commissioned Aurora as the voice of British women entrepreneurs, to research specific barriers to women's business growth and deliver recommendations for action. The draft report can be viewed at http://www.auroravoice.com/aurorareport.pdf
Aurora is a support group dedicated in educating and advancing women in business.
BritBangla aims to project positive female role models for our members. We hope that our female members are encouraged to attend this month’s ‘Women in Leadership Forum’.

BB Update
>>BritBangla has sponsored 6 year old Arifa (£12 is donated each month) and will need to raise further funds; and donations from members are welcome.
>>BritBangla supported the seminar on drugs, crime and the Bengali community in East London organised by Betar Bangla Radio.
>>BritBangla supported the GreatCause charity fundraising event at Café Royal. Iqbal Wahhab of Cinnaman Club and Tiffins Tandoori owned by a BritBangla member both gave dinner for 4 for charity raffle that raised £380.
>>New interactive Members Site is been designed for 2004. Access for Members only.
>> BritBangla launching it’s first online magazine this year. If you are interested in getting involved then please email Syed at: syed@britbangla.net.

Forthcoming EventsNetworking Event @ Soho Spice: 6pm, Thursday 24th June 2004
Come and join BritBangla for a social evening. An opportunity to meet fellow members and find out what BritBangla is about. For info/bookings contact: Shirin/Rumiya at Shirin@britbangla.net/ rumiya@britbangla.net

Careers Forum on Women in Leadership, Central London: 25 June 2004
Sponsored by both the Sunday Times and The Times, BritBangla is proud to support Top Career's `Women in Leadership Forum' on 25 June - the premier event for ambitious early-stage career females to find out which companies are looking to attract top female talent, and why they are a great place for women to work. Top companies like Morgan Stanley, Shell, GE and many more will be exhibiting. Includes interesting panel debates on ‘Having it all – is it really possible?’ and ‘Lifting Corporate Barriers to Women (Role Models)’ and some of the most successful women in their fields we’ll be asked to outline to the next generation of female leaders how they achieved their own personal working goals and what support is available along the way.
To register, visit www.topcareers.net/forum

Summer Boat Party: Friday 16th July 2004 @ Temple Pier
A hugely popular event to reserve your names on the guestlist contacts the BB Team: Shirin/Rumiya/Taryn/Syed at britbangla@britbangla.net

The BritBangla Team look forward to hearing from you and will see you at the next event!

Best Wishes

The BritBangla Team
W: www.britbangla.net
E: britbangla@britbangla.net