@Halal July/August 2023 | Page 12

An opportunity to diversify Halal Expo Manchester 2023 serves as an opportunity for mainstream brands to showcase their commitment to diversity and inclusivity
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@ Halal | JULY-AUGUST . 2023

An opportunity to diversify Halal Expo Manchester 2023 serves as an opportunity for mainstream brands to showcase their commitment to diversity and inclusivity

( From left ) Shabana Kausar , Chief Operating Officer of Halal Expo Manchester & Halal Expo London and Yasmine Dar , Lord Mayor for Manchester .
Shabana Kausar and the attendees of the launch of Halal Expo Manchester 2023 .

WITH MANCHES- TER ’ S economy projected to be the third fastest-growing in the UK from 2024 to 2026 and the local economy expected to increase by £ 2 billion compared to 2022 , the North West region offers excellent prospects for business expansion .

This promising landscape also extends to the profitable opportunities within the halal industry , where entrepreneurs can capitalise on its potential for growth and success .
The Halal Expo Manchester delves into various aspects of the halal industry in the UK , encompassing food , clothing , art , financial instruments , housing , travel , beauty , and more . The event was inaugurated at the Old Trafford Museum on June 13 , 2023 , with the esteemed presence of Manchester ’ s Lord Mayor , Yasmine Dar , alongside members of the media , business community , and other professionals .
According to Dar , the Halal Expo Manchester will captivate the halal industry with leading businesses showcasing the latest halal products and services , giving opportunities for both halal businesses and mainstream brands to showcase their commitment to diversify and be more inclusive .
“ Manchester has a proud history . You can see an image of a bee all over the city , symbolising the city ’ s history of hard work as the country ’ s first industrial city . Our 19thcentury textile mills were known as ‘ hives ’ of activity , with their workers compared to bees ,” shared Dar .
She said Manchester was still home to a vibrant community of hard-working indi-
Maswood Ahmed , Assistant Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain ( MCB ).
viduals . Still , she acknowledged that it had undergone significant transformations over the years , making it an excellent choice for hosting an exhibition .
She emphasised that the city ’ s strength resided in its diversity , multiculturalism , ethnic variety , tolerance and understanding towards different cultures and backgrounds .
“ Manchester is a city that has been transformed comprehensively and dynamically , and we believe it is the strongest performing regional centre in the UK .”
A GREAT OPPORTUNITY
The Assistant Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain ( MCB ), Maswood Ahmed , shared that the global halal economy exceeded US $ 2 trillion and was expected to surpass US $ 3 trillion in the next few years . He said the Council published a report titled ‘ The Muslim Pound ’ some 10 years ago , and the information there is still relevant today as it was a decade ago .
“ We need to realise that politicians , businesses and communities need to work together to meet the needs of the people and do good . When considering expanding their business and maximising reach , most entrepreneurs often face sleepless nights taking the first steps .
“ But remember that as long as you are sincere in serving people and grateful to those who work with you , you can progress .
“ Allah has said : ‘ If you are grateful , I will give you more ’. Events like the Halal Expo Manchester offer a great opportunity to capitalise and grow your business , as long as you are sincere .”
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSIVITY
Aatif Majid , Founder & CEO of Halal Expo London and Manchester , said : “ Following the huge success of ‘ Halal Expo London ’, the event now comes to Manchester in a highlyanticipated two-day exhibition curated for both businesses and consumers .”
“ Halal Expo Manchester is not only for Muslim or halal businesses , but is also an opportunity for mainstream brands to showcase their commitment to diversity and inclusivity .”
Andleeb Hanif , Asian Express Managing Editor , was thrilled to be working in partnership with Aatif Majid . She believes the Halal Expo Manchester is a fantastic opportunity for both halal businesses and non-halal businesses to work in unison to deliver goods and services to those of all faiths and backgrounds .
Halal Expo Manchester is endorsed by the Department for Business & Trade and will be held over two days , on Jul 14-15 , 2023 , at The Old Trafford Stadium .
The event will feature diverse exhibitors , including well-established Muslim and non-Muslim-led businesses , prominent dignitaries , and renowned household name brands .
The expo will offer extensive seminars and workshops featuring globally recognised speakers and ambassadors . These sessions will provide valuable networking opportunities for business professionals and consumers . –