The prestigious awards, which took place on 25th June 2019 at a special reception hosted by Lord Gadhia at the Houses of Parliament, mark the culmination of India Inc’s UK-India week – a 4-day series of events designed to celebrate our shared economic and cultural ties.
Ameeta was named in the top 100 in recognition of her work assisting South West companies grow their export sales in India, in addition to leading overseas trade visits and facilitating visits to the region by high-ranking Indian officials and business leaders.
Demonstrating the esteem with which these awards are held both in the UK and on the Indian subcontinent, other figures to make the top 100 this year include well-known business and political leaders such as Antonia Romeo, Permanent Secretary for the Department for International Trade UK and Emma Walmsley, CEO of GlaxoSmithKline.
Originally from California, Ameeta has had a varied career in Europe, Asia and the US in retail, education and heathcare. Upon moving to the UK, she co-founded an e-commerce company focusing on luxury childrenswear and selling into multiple markets, before joining Business West in 2014.
Commenting on Ameeta’s achievement, Phil Smith, Managing Director at Business West said:
“UK's exports to India increased at the fastest rate among the country’s top trading partners outside the European Union (EU) in 2018, with a 19.3% hike in goods and services trade. Ameeta has spearheaded export growth in this region by advising local businesses on market entry and expansion. More broadly, she has played an instrumental role in deepening ties between the South West region and India in the political sphere. This work is not only vital to fostering international dialogue, but also to securing inward investment and building on DIT’s Export Strategy in this key overseas market for South West businesses.”
Commenting on the awards Ameeta Virk, India Market Specialist at Business West said:
“I’m hugely excited to be part of this list. India is a country very close to my heart. It’s a beautifully complicated place to do business and being able to work in the field of UK – India trade and introduce British businesses to the opportunities in India is truly rewarding. There is much to be done though and we’ve only touched the surface so I’m looking forward to what lies ahead.”
The list of 100 Most Influential in UK-India Relations is compiled by India Inc – the publisher of India Global Business fortnightly magazine. Now in its third year, this year’s list is the first-ever all women’s power list to celebrate the immense contribution of women from all walks of life building a bright future relationship between the UK and India.
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Ameeta Virk has dedicated the last five years assisting British companies grow their exports, leading multiple trade delegations to bring UK businesses together with their overseas customers. Previoulsy Ameeta had a varied career in Europe, Asia and the US in the retail, education and healthcare sectors.