The Midlands largest Asian business organisation has elected its youngest ever vice president.

Twenty-seven-year-old Saqib Bhatti is one of two new vice-presidents at the Institute of Asian Businesses (IAB), alongside former vice-chairman Aftab Chughtai, appointed to help steer the group.

The board of the IAB, which is part of Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Group, re-elected Nasir Awan for his third consecutive year as president.

Mr Awan said: “We hope Saqib’s fresh outlook and young enthusiastic mantra will help to drive us forward in the years to come, enabling us to continue with our great work of delivering our much-needed services to over 30,000 SMEs in the city.”

Mr Bhatti said: “I am hoping my appointment will help attract younger, rising business professionals and I would like to maintain the IAB as a recognised voice for Asian businesses across the Midlands.”

The IAB, which offers business support and networking opportunities, said Asian businesses make up 20 per cent of Birmingham professionals.