Empowering Kerala's Business Community
Leading the way in retail trade research and policy studies.
Bridging Tradition and Innovation
Supporting traders through changing market landscapes.
Knowledge for Growth
Academic excellence meeting practical business wisdom.
Empowering Kerala's Business Community
Leading the way in retail trade research and policy studies.
Kerala Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samithi
Retail
Conclave 2.0
Reimaging business. Reclaiming our future
Date
January 20, 21
Venue
Gateway, Bekal, Kasaragod
About CBSR
The Centre for Business Studies and Research (CBSR) is a research and academic body functioning under the Kerala Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samithi (KVVES), Kerala. The Centre is committed to studying contemporary business practices, with a particular focus on retail trade, entrepreneurship, and market transformations in Kerala.
Through research, documentation, and policy-oriented studies, CBSR examines changing patterns of customer relationships, modes of service delivery, and forms of value creation, including personal, automated, and participatory models of engagement.
The Centre also serves as a platform that brings together traders, researchers, and policymakers to generate knowledge that is grounded in the lived realities of Kerala’s business community, with active involvement from its research members, including the author.
KVVES
Kerala Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samithy (KVVES) is the largest traders' organisation in Kerala, representing more than ten lakh traders and small business owners through around 3,500 units spread across all 14 districts of the state. Established to protect and promote the interests of the trading and business community, KVVES works as a collective platform to address policy issues, resolve challenges faced by traders, and strengthen entrepreneurship at the grassroots level.
Raju Apsara
P Kunjavu Haji
State Working President
Devassia Mechery
State General Secretary
S Deverajan
State Treasurer
KV Abdul Hameed
State Senior Vice President
MK Thomasukutty
State Vice President
PC Jacob
State Vice President
AJ Shajahan
State Vice President
K Ahammed Shareef
State Vice President
Babu Kottayil
State Vice President
Sunni Paimbilli
State Vice President
Bapu Haji
State Vice President
Y Vijayan
State Secretary
C Dhaneesh Chandran
State Secretary
Jojin T Joy
State Secretary
V Sabilraj
State Secretary
Salim Ramanatukara
State Secretariat Member
Chairperson's Note
Kerala Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samithy (KVVES) stands today as the largest traders’ organisation in Kerala, representing over ten lakh members through nearly 3,500 units spread across all 14 districts of the state. Rooted in a long tradition of collective strength and mutual support, KVVES has consistently worked towards safeguarding and advancing the interests of traders and small business communities.
With this vision, KVVES has established its research and knowledge wing—the Centre for Research and Studies for Business (CBSR)—under the leadership of Chairman Babu Kottayil, Vice Chairman Sunny Payyambilil, and Convenor Bapu Haji. CBSR has been conceived as a strong and reliable platform to equip our members with the skills, knowledge, and guidance required to navigate the rapidly changing business environment.
Babu Kottayil
Chairman, KVVES CBSR
Reports & Publications
Access our latest research findings and academic papers
Annual Retail Trade Report 2025
Comprehensive analysis of retail trends, market shifts, and economic impact in Kerala.
Impact of GST on Small Traders
A detailed study on the challenges and opportunities for MSMEs under the new tax regime.
Digital Transformation Guide
Best practices handbook for traditional traders to adopt digital payment and marketing tools.
Retail Conclave 2.0 Brochure
Official brochure for the upcoming Retail Conclave 2.0, featuring event schedule, speakers, and venue details.
Our Activities
Empowering the community through education and action
Retail Management Training
A comprehensive workshop for small business owners on modern retail practices and inventory management.
Learn More →
Market Analysis Survey
Ongoing field research to understand the changing consumer behavior in rural Kerala districts.
Learn More →
Policy Advocacy Forum
Regular meetings with government officials to represent trading community interests and suggest policy reforms.
Learn More →Recent Events
Watch highlights from our latest conferences and meetings
KERALA RETAIL CONCLAVE - DAY 1
Watch the full coverage of the first day of the Kerala Retail Conclave.
GST Implementation Challenges
Oct 15, 2025
Panel discussion on the difficulties faced by small traders.
Latest News
CBSR Launches New Retail Management Course
Applications are invited for the new 6-month diploma course in Advanced Retail Management.
State-wide Survey on Small Business Challenges
Researchers from CBSR will be visiting 14 districts to collect data on post-pandemic recovery.
Partnership announced with IIM Kozhikode
A strategic MOU has been signed to foster academic cooperation and student exchange programs.