A Bradford Asian business organisation has launched a membership drive to help push it forward.

Bradford Asian Business Association has drawn up a list of activities - including an awards evening - which will help firms in the district bring in new contracts and make better contacts with other companies. The organisation, which is headed by businessman Nirmal Singh, already has a database of more than 2,000 Asian firms in the district and currently works through word-of-mouth.

But the organisation's board of directors now see the need to formalise the organisation, raise its profile and charge a membership fee for its services. Its board includes representatives from banks, solicitors, accountancy and insurance firms.

BABA holds monthly meetings at the Asian Business Centre offices on Carlisle Road and also hosts regular educational seminars for Asian firms on information technology, security, textiles and health and safety.

The multi-faith group provides networking opportunities with advice contacts for new and existing firms, acts as a lobbying group for the Asian business world and makes other professional bodies aware of problems the community is experiencing.

Bradford Asian Business Association started life as the Institute of Asian Business in 1987. It adopted its present title in 1993 and is a registered company with charitable status.

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