Lloyds Banking Group All Set to Honour International Icons in Philanthropy and Business

LONDON, October 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

- The Asian Awards, 18^th October 2011 -

• Lloyds Banking Group Sponsors Business and Philanthropy Accolades at the Asian Awards
• The Asian community plays a vital role in the UK economy contributing 6% to the UK GDP
• Lloyds Banking Group provided £21.2 billion of committed gross lending to UK businesses, during the first halfof 2011, of which £6.7 billion was to SMEs

Tuesday 18th October will see some of the world's most successful Asian stars in business, philanthropy, music, sport, the arts, science and cinema gather at the Asian Awards in London to celebrate the greatest achievers across all walks of life.

The Asian community plays a vital role in the UK economy contributing 6 per cent alone to the UK GDP, from just 4% of the population*. So investment for growth is bound to be a key discussion point at the Asian Awards this year when a host of inspiring business leaders including Yoganathan Ratheesan, CEO, Lebara; James Caan, CEO, Hamilton Bradshaw; Surinder Arora, CEO and Founder, Arora Hotels; Dr KP Singh, Chairman of DLF, the world's largest real estate company; and Anand Mahindra, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Mahindra & Mahindra; will gather to honour outstanding achievers born in or with direct family origin from the South Asian diaspora.

Lloyds Banking Group is sponsoring two awards categories including Business Leader of the Year and Philanthropist of the Year and is all set to host some of the World's most successful and influential business leaders and philanthropists at The Asian Awards in London.

"It is important to turn the spotlight on those that continue to innovate and excel during particularly challenging economic times, so we inspire the next generation to be the best they can be. We are committed to supporting businesses across the UK  and the Asian community plays a significant role in this by generating growth for the whole UK economy," said Kamel Hothi, Asian Markets Director, Lloyds Banking Group and Asian Awards judge.

During the first half of 2011, Lloyds Banking Group provided £21.2 billion of committed gross lending to UK businesses, of which £6.7 billion was to SMEs, as part of its commitment to support and stimulate business growth.

"Our sponsorship of the Asian Awards is part of our long term commitment to working in partnership with the Asian community both supporting businesses and the individuals who run them. Lloyds Banking Group is a relationship-led bank and we are committed to supporting our customers throughout the economic cycle. We believe in contributing to the markets in which we operate, which is why we're delighted to be part of these awards," added Hothi.

The Asian Awards launched to enormous acclaim in 2010, attracting some of the sub continent's most important figures including Ratan Tata who won the Lloyds Banking Group Business Leader of the Year award in 2010. Since Ratan Tata stepped in as chairman of Tata Sons, the company has become a global force, acquiring international brands such as Corus, Jaguar, Tetley, and Land Rover, broadening its market base at home with new products such as the Tata Nano, and continuing to employ people in more than 22 countries.

Over 1000 of the most influential and important leaders from the Asian diaspora around the world will attend the Asian Awards 2011, 18th October, Grosvenor House, London. Tickets are now available for sale at http://www.theasianawards.com or call Malika Elouafi on +44(0)20-7234-8717.

* British Asian Trust