Expert

Commercial background

Baroness Verma started her first business at the age of 19 in high fashion, supplying high street multiples. In 2000 she changed her business to the service sector. In 2006 she was raised to the peerage as Baroness Verma of Leicester in the County of Leicestershire. She was Opposition Whip from 2006 to 2010 and then Government Whip following the 2010 general election.

Prior to becoming Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for DECC, Baroness Verma was Spokesperson for Cabinet Office, International Development, Women and Equalities and Business Innovation and Skills.

Social and philanthropic background

Baroness Verma has a strong interest in Diversity, gender issues and international affairs, particularly in the South Asian Region and Africa.

She has received numerous awards and supports and is Patron of several charities and organisations. She was awarded the prestigious PRAVASI BHARTIYA SAMMAN AWARD by the President of India (on behalf of Government of India) in 2011, in acknowledgement of her outstanding achievement in the field of public affairs and in recognition of her valuable contribution in promoting the honour and prestige of India and in fostering the interests of Overseas Indians.

She was awarded the internationally renowed Golden Peacock Award for Social Leadership in 2012 by the Institute of Directors, India, in London.

Will help with
Governance

Philanthropic Interests
Environment

Testimonials

Mastodon C

Francine Bennett

Mastodon C are big data and data science specialists. Our open source data platform, applications, and expert team unlock the power of your data for a better future....

Extremely helpful & thought-provoking

Meeting with Baroness Verma was extremely helpful and thought-provoking - she provided a number of concrete suggestions and recommendations for our business, as well as being very energising and fun to talk to.

Isentropic Ltd

James Macnaghten

Isentropic Ltd is a technology development company that is looking to change the way that the world approaches energy generation, storage and use.

I received really valuable advice.

Baroness Verma both understood the issues that we face as a growing business and was also able to highlight areas that we needed to focus more effort on. I found the session extremely valuable.

Ruby Moon

Jo Godden

The sustainable swimwear brand that whilst being ethically manufactured, also helps women set up and grow businesses across the globe.

So inspiring!

Baroness Verma had direct industry experience and was able to provide a point-by-point strategy to take away. Most importantly was the past experience and the vision that was projected, using more ambitious targets than I had previously thought possible.

The Accountability Lab

Blair Glencorse

A movement for young people to build accountability in their societies....

Incredibly helpful

Baroness Verma was incredibly helpful, kind and thoughtful. Her knowledge and insights across the fields of business, government and international development were fantastic - and she has helped me think in a new way about the steps I need to take to improve my organization.