Local businesses ‘thrive together’ in Chamber community

Aurangzaib Chawla, Managing Director of Lanop Business & Tax Advisors, talks to Sarah Dale about the significance of being a Patron.

Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce is more than a networking platform, says Aurangzaib Chawla, who joined as a Patron member in 2017.

“It is an opportunity to collaborate, exchange expertise and build long-term relationships with like-minded professionals,” says Aurangzaib, Managing Director of Lanop Business & Tax Advisors, which has a team of UK chartered accountants and financial advisors supporting businesses of all sizes.

“Over the years, I have not only actively participated in Chamber events but have also supported fellow members by engaging their services, ensuring that local businesses thrive together.”

As well as being a Patron member, Lanop is the official accountant and financial advisor for the Chamber.

“This has helped position Lanop as a trusted partner for local businesses,” he says.

“Through the Chamber, we have expanded our professional network, formed key collaborations, and built strong relationships that have translated into long-term business growth. More importantly, it has given us the opportunity to give back to the business community by offering free accounting, financial and tax consultation to fellow members – something that aligns with our core values of service and expertise.

“The Chamber is a community, not just a directory of businesses. I always tell new members to actively engage and build relationships. Attending events, sharing insights and offering support to fellow members can open doors to unexpected opportunities.

“Networking isn’t just about finding new clients; it’s about developing partnerships, learning from others and positioning yourself as a leader in

“Additionally, I encourage businesses to think ahead and embrace change. The business landscape is constantly evolving, and those who anticipate trends, invest in innovation and adapt quickly will always stay ahead of the curve.”

One of the biggest challenges businesses face today is navigating economic uncertainty, tax regulations and international expansion.

“At Lanop, we have tackled these challenges by staying proactive, diversifying our services and expanding into global markets,” he adds.

A key example of Lanop’s proactiveness lies in its decision to establish Dubai Business & Tax Advisors (DBTA) in response to the growing demand for tax-efficient business structuring in the United Arab Emirates. Lanop is supporting businesses to expand between the UK, EU, US and the Middle East.

“The Chamber can further support its members by facilitating discussions on cross-border taxation, global expansion strategies and regulatory challenges, ensuring that businesses have the right knowledge and tools to succeed internationally,” he says.

Resilience is crucial in thriving in business and Aurangzaib says that resilience comes from foresight, adaptability and continuous investment in technology and talent.

At Lanop, they were Covid-ready before the pandemic hit because they had already invested in real-time collaboration tools, cybersecurity and cloud-based accounting systems. This meant that while many firms struggled to transition to remote working, they were able to operate seamlessly across multiple locations without disruption.

“For my team, I focus on building a culture of mentorship, continuous learning, and strategic thinking,” he says.

“As a public speaker and mentor to other accountancy firm owners, I believe that knowledge-sharing and collaboration are key drivers of success. Internally, we encourage problem-solving, innovation and leadership development so that every team member is equipped to navigate challenges with confidence.”

Lanop is in a strong position for growth and international expansion with its new Dubai office already creating new opportunities and they are also exploring expanding into Saudi Arabia to support companies entering the Middle Eastern market.

“In the UK, we remain committed to strengthening our core advisory services, supporting Chamber members, and positioning ourselves as leaders in business structuring, tax efficiency and financial strategy.

“As part of my personal commitment to mentorship and thought leadership, I also plan to increase my public speaking engagements, collaborate with multi-national startups and contribute to shaping the future of the industry.”

For more information, visit www.lanop.co.uk