Promoting ties between the British-Armenian community and the Conservative Party.
Establishing
Friends of Armenia
Building the Foundation
The launch of the Conservative Friends of Armenia was the result of months of dedicated effort and collaboration. Our journey began with extensive research, careful registration processes and numerous meetings with MPs, parliamentary staff and established groups affiliated with the Conservative Party. This groundwork and due diligence enabled us to create a robust foundation to foster enduring ties between the UK's British - Armenian community and the Conservative Party.
A Shared History and Shared Values
The group is an organic, community-based initiative rooted in our shared values and aligned outlook. From the 1890’s, when William Gladstone championed the plight of Armenians to the overwhelming generosity shown by the British people in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake of 1989, shared values have been at the forefront of an enduring partnership between the UK and Armenia.
The British-Armenian Community Today
Today, British Armenians number 15,000 with many occupying prominent positions in fintech, financial services, law and medicine. From employers to entrepreneurs and pioneers in their respective fields they exemplify the resilience, work ethic and commitment widely considered trademarks of the Armenian diaspora.
A Renewed Partnership
Against this backdrop, the Conservative Friends of Armenia was launched in parliament in January 2026. The event was a resounding success paving the way towards a renewed level of engagement between the community and the Conservative Party. With shadow ministers among those who filled the Jubilee Room to capacity the event reaffimed the importance of the task that lies ahead - empowering the Armenian community to play a revived role in supporting and strengthening the Conservative Party under the leadership of Kemi Badenoch.
Who We Are
Tim Loughton
Tim is a former Conservative Member of Parliament for East Worthing and Shoreham who has chaired the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Armenia. A long-time advocate of Armenian causes Tim brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Conservative Friends of Armenia.
Honorary President
Anoushka Kurkjian
Anoushka Kurkjian graduated from St Antony's College in 2002 with an M.Phil in Middle East Studies. She received a British Academy scholarship for her research on Syria. Anoushka started her career in Abu Dhabi at a think-tank affiliated with the Crown-Prince's office. Her work focused on the regional implications of the US-led war in Iraq and was part of a team hosting high-level delegations to the UAE. She has since advised both public and private sector clients on political risk in the Middle East. She regularly provides analysis for news channels.
Chair
Tania Arthur
Secretary
Tania’s background is in Public Relations, firstly in-house and then as a Senior Account Manager in a large PR agency. She is a committed parish councillor, school coordinator and involved in local causes. Tania has always been proud of her Armenian heritage having visited the country multiple times. Alongside these commitments she enjoys the arts, racket sports, skiing and being amongst friends, both old and new.
Marianna Vardanyan
Marianna graduated from Loughborough University in 2020 with an MSc in Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management, having earlier read International Relations at the European University in Armenia. Since 2016, Marianna has co-founded and led a full-service communications agency, Kaizen Dale, working between London and Yerevan, serving governments, international organisations and private sector clients. She hold a Chevening Award from the UK Foreign Office and is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.
Co-Chair
Gagik Apkarian
Gagik is the founder of Tetrad Capital Partners with 20 years of experience in private equity, investment banking and management consulting in U.S, Europe, Middle East and Australia. Previously he was the co-founder and General Partner at Vulcan Capital – private investment office of Paul G Allen (co-founder of Microsoft). Prior to Vulcan Capital he was an investment banker with Morgan Stanley. Gagik is a Judge on Harvard University’s Innovation Challenge and enjoys skiing, tennis and running.
Senior Adviser
Events & Insights
Newsletter
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Account Name: Conservative Friends of Armenia Ltd
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