Now celebrated annually during July and August in the UK, South Asian Heritage Month (SAHM) recognises the remarkable contributions and influences of South Asian communities.

SAHM was created by Jasvir Singh OBE, a barrister and activist, and Dr Binita Kane, a respiratory consultant at University Hospital of South Manchester.

SAHM serves as a way to connect people of different backgrounds and enables them to gain a deeper understanding of the rich tapestry of cultures, traditions, and contributions that South Asia has offered to the world.

The theme for SAHM this year is Stories to Tell, which was chosen through an online public voting process, ‘reflecting the collective desire to amplify diverse narratives and experience’.

Professor Monder Ram OBE, director of CREME at Aston Business School said: “The entrepreneurial ambition of ethnic minorities can play a crucial role in the UK government’s vision of ‘levelling up’ prosperity across regions, promoting trade opportunities of ‘global Britain’ and creating a more cohesive society.”

Blessing Mutamba, NatWest’s Business Inclusion Programme Manager says: “NatWest is committed to championing potential, helping people, families and businesses to thrive. We have always been and will continue to be supporters of Ethnic Minority owned businesses and the communities they are part of.

“One of the key findings from the Time to Change report was that there’s no lack of ambition when it comes to Ethnic Minority communities, so celebrating success with our customers and communities of South Asian heritage makes up an integral part of our purpose”

‘Time to Change: a blueprint for advancing the UK’s Ethnic Minority Businesses’ found that EMBs face multiple barriers, particularly in accessing finance, markets and quality business support. But helping them overcome them could increase their GVA contribution from £25bn a year currently to £100bn.