A DRIVE is under way to forge stronger links between Hampshire’s growing South Asian business community and the county’s chamber of commerce.

A six-month consultation will be led by Hampshire Chamber president Peter Taylor and Southampton businessman Lakbir Singh, who is an ambassador for the chamber.

Mr Singh said the chamber wanted to look at the impact South Asian businesses had on the economy of Hampshire.

The chamber is working up a revised action plan to connect with and support South Asian businesses and entrepreneurs across the county, from retail and pharmaceuticals to real estate and manufacturing.

My Singh’s mission to help the community comes from the example of his grandfather Harnam Singh Roudh who was a pioneer and arrived in Southampton from India in the early 1950s, with only £3 in his pocket.

He went on to open the city’s first Indian and West Indian continental store and establish its first Indian restaurant, the Star of India at Six Dials. He was instrumental in establishing the first Sikh temple in Clovelly Road, which at the time was the first ethnic place of worship in the region.

“My vision, my mission and passion comes from my grandfather’s values and teachings,” said Mr Singh.

“His mission was to enhance the family’s quality of life, champion entrepreneurship, education and make a positive contribution to society.

“It’s that kind of purpose that I’m trying to serve and that’s what draws me to bring about change and innovation for the region.”

Mr Singh is head of group operations at planet Education, which uses PE and sports coaching to inspire young people to lead active lifestyles and be good citizens.

“As a Sikh, I follow the principles of Sikhism which are to serve our community and help others. The word we use is selfless service. That means doing something you don’t get paid for or expect anything back in return,” he added.

The aims of the chamber’s new strategy will include enhancing opportunities for South Asian businesses to engage with like-minded organisations; supporting Southampton’s bid to be UK City of Culture 2025; supporting businesses in areas such as maintaining safer communities, deepening community cohesion and addressing security concerns.

Mr Singh added: “I am delighted to be supporting strategic engagement and collaboration with the region’s thriving South Asian Business Community, to help foster dialogue for businesses and communities within the region. The purpose of formulating a refreshed strategy and action plan is to connect, engage and support the broad range of South Asian businesses and entrepreneurs operating in Hampshire, Portsmouth and Isle of Wight.”

He added: “We know that working closely with key partners will play a vital part in making this consultation a success for unlocking new business, innovation and knowledge transfer opportunities.”