The Apprentice candidate, Syed, has been hired to give a speech at this year's Asian Business Federation Annual Dinner, A Celebration of Business Success.

Syed Ahmed, who was fired in favour of runner-up Ruth Badger, will attend the Guild Hall in Preston on Friday 7 July for the largest annual gathering of Asian Businesses in the UK.

The Bangladeshi born, 31-year-old, who lives in London has an HND in Business and Finance and claims to have been a restaurant manager for Marco Pierre White's White Starline Group.

Also present at this year's event will be North West property tycoon Shaid Luqman of Lexi Holdings. He recently came top of the list as the richest Asian in the North West with a value of over £300 million.

East End Foods Managing directer Tony Deep Wouhra MBE will also speak at the event.

The fifth Annual Dinner will showcase some of the organisation's achievements from the past five years.

The 600-strong who are expected to attend will also be addressed by Jack Straw, Leader of the House of Commons, and Tahir Mohsan, Time Computers founder and Asian Business Federation Chairman.

Khalid Saifullah, Asian Business Federation Chief Executive, said: "2006 has been a great year for enterprise with the wealth of Britain's richest Asians jumping by more than 40 per cent from £24.9bn to £35.5bn.

"In recognition of this and other achievements, this year's Annual Dinner is truly A Celebration of Business Success'."

Barclays are sponsoring the event. David Edwards, Barclays Corporate Area Corporate Director, said: "We are delighted to support this event and I am confident that the aims of the Asian Business Federation combined with the breadth of experience and spirit within Barclays locally will ensure this will be a great partnership."

For tickets to the event call 0845 6070786