AN “INSPIRATIONAL” entrepreneur has been appointed to engage and support South Asian businesses in Hampshire.

Southampton’s Lakbir Singh has been named ambassador for South Asian business community engagement by Hampshire Chamber of Commerce.

Mr Singh is head of group operations at Planet Education, which provides PE and sports coaching in Hampshire, Dorset, Berkshire and Surrey. He is also head of special projects for the India Business Group, a consultancy which encourages organisations to develop trade and investment links between India and the UK.

He will work with Hampshire Chamber on promoting and delivering its forthcoming Ethnic Minority Peer Networks programme, which aims to address real life business challenges.

Mr Singh said: “I am looking forward to working with Hampshire Chamber of Commerce colleagues to promote services which will enable businesses to address real-life challenges and focus on delivering results, particularly as we recover from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. I am pleased to be recognised as a bridge to engage and support South Asian businesses here in Hampshire.”

Born and raised in Southampton, Mr Singh has more than 20 years’ experience in business across several industries. His grandfather arrived in the UK in the 1940s with only £3 and a holdall.

Peter Taylor, director of Hampshire Chamber and chair of Southampton Chamber of Commerce, said: “The role of the Chamber of Commerce is to be the voice of business to help businesses connect and grow. We are extremely fortunate in Hampshire to have such a diverse mix of businesses both in terms of sector and ethnicity. The collective talent is outstanding.

“For the chamber to be as effective as it can be, then it is crucial it is relevant, responsive and seen as a reliable source for all businesses. South Asian businesses play a vital role in our economy in Hampshire.

“I am delighted that Lakbir Singh has agreed to take on the role as ambassador for South Asian business engagement for both Hampshire Chamber of Commerce and Southampton Chamber of Commerce, as part of Hampshire Chamber.

“Lakbir has spent his life in Southampton. He is an experienced man of business and inspirational. He is committed to playing his part in ensuring that all who live and work in our community thrive. Lakbir’s appointment demonstrates both the respect which the Chamber of Commerce has for the South Asian business community and our commitment to ensuring the South Asian community feel part of the chambers, have a voice and representation at a senior level.”