Masters’ Union Signs MoU with PHDCCI to Future-Proof Family Enterprises

On 28th May, in the heart of Amritsar, Masters’ Union signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI). The agenda? Help family-run businesses go from generation-led to professionally scaled.

The event, held at Courtyard by Marriott and titled “Scaling Your Family Business from 10x to 100x”, brought together business owners, educators, and industry insiders to talk shop—not about what was, but what’s next.

PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) is one of India’s oldest and most influential industry bodies. Established in 1905, it serves as a proactive catalyst for the growth of Indian industry, trade, and entrepreneurship. With a robust network of regional chapters and thousands of member businesses, PHDCCI works closely with policymakers and enterprises to foster economic development, innovation,n and inclusive growth across sectors.

Why Amritsar? Because It’s Already in Motion

Amritsar’s economy runs on legacy—textiles, food processing, hospitality, engineering. These aren’t side hustles. These are full-scale family empires, some built over generations. But scaling past a certain point requires more than grit. It requires systems, leadership shifts, and a playbook that doesn’t come from the dining table.

That’s where Masters’ Union comes in. With a School of Family Business and a curriculum that makes students run ventures (not just read about them), we’re in a unique position to work with legacy founders looking to level up.

Framing the Evening’s Conversation

The event began with Mr. Sachin Mehra, Member of PHDCCI and Partner at Teclowin Aluminium, setting the tone with a sharp insight:

“Here in Amritsar, business isn’t just done, it’s lived. And tonight, we celebrate that very spirit of family-led enterprises scaling new heights while staying rooted in values.”

He also introduced Masters’ Union to the audience, highlighting its commitment to experiential learning, where students build businesses, manage live ventures, and are graded on execution and profitability, rather than theoretical exams.

Fireside Chat with Mr Rajiv Gupta

Mr. Rajiv Gupta, Chairperson of the School of Family Business and author of Lala Company, joined Mr. Mehra for a candid fireside chat, sharing some key insights. It wasn’t a motivational talk. It was a strategy session in disguise.

1. 1. Family business ≠ business family. The difference? Professionalism.

   2. Succession planning needs to start before the handover conversation.

   3. Growth stalls when systems don’t scale—or when egos do.

Rewriting the Family Business Playbook

Pratham Mittal, Founder of Masters’ Union and a third-generation entrepreneur, took the stage with a keynote titled “Evolve from a Family Business into a Business Family.”

He traced his own journey—from the shelves of Lovely Sweets in Amritsar to shaping strategy at Wharton, before returning to India to build a business school designed for doers. His message was clear: ownership might be passed down, but scale has to be built. And no, running a family business on Excel alone won’t cut it anymore.

The Framework for Future-Proofing

In a special address, Mr. Rajiv Gupta went deeper into what makes or breaks legacy businesses:

1. 1. Emotional governance is just as critical as financial governance.
   2. Legacy can be an asset—or a liability—depending on how it’s used.
   3. Hiring non-family professionals isn’t betrayal. It's a strategy.
   4. This segment left the audience with a clear call-to-action - holding on to tradition doesn’t mean rejecting transformation.

Formalising a Future-First Collaboration

The formal MoU exchange marked the beginning of a long-term collaboration between Masters’ Union and PHDCCI. Representing the organisations were Mr. Jaideep Singh and Mr. Nipun Aggarwal from PHDCCI, and Mr. Pratham Mittal from Masters’ Union. The goal is clear: to co-create structured programs, mentorship models, and workshops that help legacy businesses—especially those in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities—scale beyond their current limits.

The evening wrapped up with a note of thanks from Mr. Jaideep Singh, Convener of the Amritsar Zone at PHDCCI and Director at Wardrobe Group, who acknowledged the speakers, guests, and organisers before inviting everyone to stay on for high tea and networking.

But this wasn’t just another event. It was a starting point—a push to give India’s legacy businesses the tools, frameworks, and mentorship they need to scale from 10x to 100x. As Masters’ Union and PHDCCI kick off this partnership, the mission is simple: help business families build companies that don’t just survive another generation—but thrive for many to come.

More programmes, workshops, and city chapters are on the way. Stay tuned.