Ambitious Ameer Shabbir is building a high-end events business from his base in Newport.

His new business presently stages a few thought-leadership events each year for the HR industry, bringing together leaders in the field.

Delegates to his HR Leaders Conferences (HRLC) are HR senior executives from international companies such as Coca Cola, The Telegraph, Lloyds Register, River Island, Kodak and other well-known names.

Ameer is delighted with the progress of his newly-launched business Corporate Events Solutions, which runs the events, and is planning more industry focused conferences in the UK. He is also aiming to expand his activities overseas, beginning with the wealthy Emirate Dubai where he is currently working to develop a network of contacts.

He is currently looking to recruit new staff and within three years his business plan predicts on-boarding of 12 staff and a £1 million turnover.

Born in Newport, Ameer obtained a degree from UWIC in Business Management, and began his career with Lloyds Bank in Newport and various other blue chip companies such as Travelex Commercial Forex, before becoming an entrepreneur.

Around 80 delegates attend the one-day events, which are financed by sponsorship from leading industry suppliers. They are staged in the heart of the City of London in the historic setting of the Honourable Artillery Company.

The aim is to stimulate debate on topical issues in the industry through round-table discussions, thought leadership sessions and one-to-one meetings between suppliers and delegates.

“HRLC is carefully planned to make sure delegates maximise their time during the day and that everyone gets the most out of the event. We have been very successful and have an excellent track record, and I am confident the events are playing a critical role in thought-development in HR,”

said Ameer.

Ameer is confident that his successful business model can be replicated in other environments and markets.

“There are only a handful of competitors in the UK offering similar high-quality events and I am sure there is huge untapped potential, not only in this country but abroad.

“Dubai is one of the most dynamic business environments, and with the contacts I have there I am sure we can develop new events there.”

Corporate Events Solutions has been supported by grants from both Newport City Council with a Newport Business Grant and from the Tata Steel subsidiary UKSE with a Business Support Grant.

Martin Palmer of UKSE commented:

“We are delighted to be supporting this ambitious and far-sighted business, which is aiming to create jobs in Newport as it grows. It has a clear business model which should provide a good basis for expansion in the future.”

Councillor Jane Mudd added:

“Ameer’s drive and commitment for this exciting new business is inspirational and it is fantastic that he is Newport-born and based – a great local success story. I am pleased that we have been able to provide assistance and I’m sure his venture will continue to grow and thrive.”