Last Friday, March 13, at Hyde Town Hall in Cheshire, members of the British Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BBCCI) had talks with Jonathan Reynolds, the business and commerce secretary.

According to a release, the meeting discussed prospects for cooperation with the British government and addressed issues encountered by British Bangladeshi firms.

Abdul Malik-Ahad, the general secretary, presided over the event, which was organised by BBCCI Northwest Region President Mizanur Rahman Mizan.

Reynolds greeted the delegates and reaffirmed his intention to interact with the business community in the area. He described the government's priorities, which include employment rights, industrial strategy, trade strategy, and small company plans.The minister pointed out the need for effective frameworks to support business growth, while acknowledging the challenges such as funding availability and the long-term effects of the pandemic.

He said, “I admire the work being undertaken by BBCCI members in addition to running their own businesses. Such organisations are crucial in helping drive the local economy and community forward.”

Rahman Mizan provided an overview of the efforts of the BBCCI, which supports over 500 businesses, to foster trade between the UK and Bangladesh.

Zaki Mostufa, press and publicity secretary of BBCCI, highlighted the obstacles faced by British Bangladeshi entrepreneurs, including high unemployment rates among youth, difficulties in accessing finance, and regulatory barriers specific to minority-owned businesses.

Malik-Ahad led a discussion on potential solutions, proposing initiatives such as job creation, enhanced mentorship programmes, and stronger connections between BBCCI, regional chambers, and the government to improve access to funding and infrastructure.

Lavlu Kader, assistant secretary of BBCCI, aligned the chamber’s objectives with government priorities, focusing on innovation, regional economic growth, and the green economy.

Muzahid Khan DL, former general secretary of BBCCI, suggested forming working groups and leveraging emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) to drive innovation. He also proposed developing social enterprises and supporting women entrepreneurs within the British Bangladeshi community.

The BBCCI, with support from the Minister’s office, will advance discussions and develop collaborative strategies with relevant government agencies and trade bodies. Efforts will focus on enhancing access to knowledge and finance, expanding mentorship programmes, and integrating new technologies to support business growth in the British Bangladeshi community.

Following the meeting, the BBCCI said that it will collaborate with government agencies and trade bodies to enhance access to finance and knowledge, expand mentorship, and integrate new technologies to drive business growth in the British Bangladeshi community.