The Annual Asian Business Connexions Awards Dinner is due to take place on 20 October 2022. Not only is the event an opportunity to celebrate the outstanding achievements and contributions of the Asian community over the past year, it is also all in aid of the PIE Project.

The PIE Project – standing for ‘Primary Inspiration through Enterprise’ – is a charity founded by Ammar Mirza CBE whilst Chair of Governors at Tyneview Primary School in partnership with the Head Teacher Steve Gittins in 2013, with the aim to connect education to the world of work and enterprise. Founder of the Metro Centre, Sir John Hall is a patron and the board of trustees, chaired by Chris Beevers, bring together a vast range of experience from all sectors to add significant value.

PIE originally came together when four schools in Walker began to work together to set up a shop. Since then, over 100 schools and 5,000 pupils have taken part in PIE initiatives, helping the North East to lead the way in developing future career and life skills for pupils of all ages. PIE is also the first UK initiative that awards accredited Enterprise vocational qualifications to participants.

Traditionally, careers advice and work experience programmes are focused on secondary school aged children, specifically those over the age of 14. PIE aims to ensure that children of all ages have access to well-rounded and exciting enterprise and STEM experience through the Big PIE Challenge. Participating groups are given the tools and capital to plan and run their own businesses in partnerships withlocal businesses and entrepreneurs, as well as challenged to a series of mental and problem-solving tests. “We would recommend that any school gets involved with the Big PIE challenge as it brings a whole host of benefits for pupils.” Angela Robinson from Reid Street Primary School said, “With the emphasis that is evident from the DfE and Ofsted on; enterprise and aspiration, ability to communicate, employability skills, resilience, citizenship… these are crucial elements of a broad and rich curriculum.”

After the break enforced by the pandemic and lockdowns of the past year and a half, PIE is ready to get back on the road – launched on its way by the money raised through the ABC Awards Dinner!Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.