An outstanding event to celebrate achievements of an outstanding man

The businessman behind a successful pharmaceuticals company and charity was presented with a special award by the Chamber during the Celebration of Culture and Communities event.

Dr Nik Kotecha OBE DL, former chair of Loughborough-based Morningside Pharmaceuticals and current chair of the Randal Charitable Foundation, was honoured for his Outstanding Contribution to East Midlands Communities at the event on 17 March.

Presenting the award, Chamber president Stuart Dawkins spoke about Dr Kotecha’s journey from arriving with his family in Leicester from Uganda, aged six years old, to become a scientist specialising in drug discovery and then an entrepreneur whose business with a moral purpose has exported around the world.

“He has advised a number of national Government departments, being recognised for his work by the awarding of an OBE,” said Stuart.

“Closer to home, he has brought this expertise to many working groups here in the Midlands. Among many other things, he is a pro-chancellor at De Montfort University and is a Deputy Lieutenant of Leicestershire.

“After securing the legacy of his business via a disposal last year, he is now devoting his time to the charity he founded with his wife Moni in 2017, the Randal Charitable Foundation, aiming to save lives and significantly improve the quality of life for those in need –in the UK and around the word. That is a wonderful track record.”

The annual Celebration of Culture and Communities event, held in partnership with emh group and De Montfort University, featured music, dance and food from across the world, delivered by East Midlands-based performers and caterers.

About 250 guests turned out at Athena in Leicester, with many wearing traditional dress associated with various cultures. They enjoyed a three-course Indian banquet by Sanjay Foods, while entertainment was provided by the University of Leicester’s Bollywood Dance Society and Asian Dance Society, Leicesterbased rapper Strizzy Strauss, Derby-based performer Schuggie Schuggie, and Soft Touch Arts – which comprised a dance troupe, poet and acoustic guitarist.

Chan Kataria OBE, chief executive at emh group, also delivered a speech about the importance of embracing the equality, diversity and inclusion agenda within businesses.

Journalist Katy will be keynote speaker

Political journalist Katy Ball will be a keynote speaker at the Chamber’s Annual Dinner.

Currently political editor at The Spectator, Katy is a regular on current affairs TV programmes and hosts the podcast Women with Balls, where she speaks to women at the top of their respective games.

The Annual Dinner will take place at East Midlands Conference Centre, at the University of Nottingham, on Thursday 29 June from 7pm.

The black-tie gala dinner provides an opportunity for Chamber members to network and listen to a range of speakers, also including the Chamber president, while raising funds for their three nominated charities. This year’s beneficiaries will be Foundation Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Community Foundation, and Nottinghamshire Community Foundation.

Ticket details will be released soon at www.emc-dnl.co.uk/events

Business Awards to launch this month

The 2023 East Midlands Chamber Business Awards will be launched on Monday 17 April.

Entries will open across the Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire Business Awards via online and social media.

Audit, accounting and consulting group Mazars is returning once again as headline partner for the awards, which recognise and reward companies and charities of all shapes and sizes.

Alongside a range of categories, which will be announced on the launch day, there will be an overall Business of the Year for each county chosen by Mazars.

Selected winners on the night also go through to the national British Chambers of Commerce Awards.

For more information, visit www.emcdnl.co.uk/business-awards and follow the launch via @EMChamberNews on Twitter.

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