The Woking Asian Business Forum (WABF), a not-for-profit organisation set up to encourage and support the development of Asian businesses in the Woking area, hosted a special evening event on Monday, 10th November with guest presenter Indy Lall, the F1 Team Manager for Vodafone McLaren Mercedes. Indy was born in Kenya and moved to UK as a boy. He joined Ron Dennis as a “gofer” with the Project 4 team in 1978, and from there progressed rapidly to become the number one mechanic and Test Team Manager for one of the most successful F1 teams.

“We are really honoured to have Indy coming to share his experiences with us, as he is a rare find on the public speaking circuit,” said Shahid Azeem, Chairman of the WABF and CEO of ArcomIT. “Although fans of Formula 1 will no doubt be interested to hear Indy's stories of working with some of the sport's biggest names, details of his humble beginnings and subsequent rise to success will be both interesting and inspiring for any modern business person.”

"I'm delighted to participate in this event for the Woking Asian Business Forum, and to do my bit to help support the integration and development of Asian businesses in our community," said Indy Lall, F1 Team Manager for Vodafone McLaren Mercedes. "It will be an enjoyable evening for sure, and I am looking forward to spending some time with members of the WABF and other local business people."

Indy has managed the F1 team since 1984, and has worked with drivers such as Alan Prost, Niki Lauda, Gerhard Berger, Ayrton Senna, Mika Hakkinen, David Coulthard, Kimi Raikkonen, Fernando Alonso, Lewis Hamilton and others.

This rare chance to hear Indy speak publicly was supported by Bessler Hendrie Chartered Accountants, Charles Russell, kdesigngroup and Colbornes. The event, held in Woking, ran from 19.00 to 20.30 and included a light buffet. For more details please contact the Woking Asian Business Forum on 01483 710830 or by email at booking@wabf.org.uk

The WABF is supported by Woking Borough Council, Business Link, the local chambers of commerce, South-East England Development Agency (SEEDA), Learning and Skills Council and the local Asian business community, The WABF’s aim is to identify Asian businesses with potential and provide them with the support services they need in order to develop and grow. In addition, it aims to help businesses to diversify, offers training to individuals who are keen to develop, and provides specific guidance to Asian women and young people.