‘Management, Control, Ethnicity and the Labour Process’

UNITEE (New European Business Confederation) : Member

Research Advisory Group for the Food, Farming and Countryside Commission : Member

Local Advisory Group, Birmingham Common Purpose : Chair

Queen’s Award for Enterprise : Member of the Judging Panel

ART Business Loans : Non-Executive Director

The Roots of Informal Responses to Regulatory Change: Non‐compliant Small Firms and the National Living Wage

Bricolage as Survival, Growth and Transformation: The Role of Patch-Working in the Social Agency of Migrant Entrepreneurs

Diversity, economic development and new migrant entrepreneurs

Migrant entrepreneurship: taking stock and moving forward

Financialisation and small firms: A qualitative analysis of bioscience and film and media firms

Students from over 120 countries choose to study at Aston University - a safe and friendly campus enjoyed by a global, multicultural community. Birmingham is one of the UK’s most diverse cities and home to an unrivalled cultural heritage, top sporting events, music, performing arts and outstanding world cuisine.

Aston University

Professor Monder Ram OBE is the Director of the Centre for Research in Ethnic Minority Entrepreneurship (CREME). He is a leading authority on small business and ethnic minority entrepreneurship research and has published widely on the subject, and has extensive experience of working in and acting as a consultant to small and ethnic minority businesses. Monder is a regular keynote speaker at international conferences, and advises the government on the importance and value of ethnic minority businesses through his position on the APPG for BAME Business Owners. He also holds visiting positions at Warwick University and the University of Turku.

Industrial Sociology

Migrant and Refugee Entrepreneurship

SMEs in the West Midlands

Ethnic Minority Entrepreneurship

SMEs

Aston Research Explorer Profile

ERC Profile

Chartwell Speakers Profile

Google Scholar Citations

EXCLUSIVE: Asians ‘completely forgotten’ by government during Covid

Aston University highlights the importance of c-stores

Birmingham’s ‘cheap and cheerful’ curry houses face closures due to social distancing

Virtual round table on BAME business owners’ Covid-19 response

Third of curry houses may not reopen following lockdown

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Unfinished Business: Moving Closer to Building an Inclusive Ecosystem for Growth in Disadvantaged Areas

ENCOMPASS: Engaging Communities, Publics and Society

Building an Inclusive Ecosystem

The Impact of the National Living Wage on Small Firms

Building an Inclusive Ecosystem for Growth in Disadvantaged Areas

centre-for-research-in-ethnic-minority-entrepreneurship-to-host-business-masterclass-for-kings-award-for-enterprise

Director, Centre for Research in Ethnic Minority Entrepreneurship & Professor of Small Business

 The event is aimed at supporting businesses in applying for the 2025 King’s Award for Enterprise The masterclass will feature presentations from the West Midlands Lieutenancy How to be a winner will be held on Friday 10 May 2024.  The Centre for Research in Ethnic Minority Entrepreneurship (CREME) at Aston University is to host a special masterclass to encourage and support companies to apply for a prestigious business award. 

The King’s Awards for Enterprise are for outstanding achievement by UK businesses in the categories of innovation, international trade, sustainable development and promoting opportunity through social mobility. 

The event, How to be a winner, will be held on Friday 10 May 2024 from 15:00 to 17:00 BST at Aston University’s headquarters in John Cadbury House in Birmingham.

CREME, in collaboration with the West Midlands Lieutenancy, is hosting this masterclass to guide businesses through the application process and share insights from previous award winners. Applications for the 2025 King’s Award for Enterprise open in May 2024.

Organisations who receive a King’s Award are presented with the award at their company by one of The King’s representatives, a Lord-Lieutenant, are invited to a Royal reception, able to fly The King’s Awards flag at their main office, use the emblem on their marketing materials and are given a Grant of Appointment (an official certificate) and a commemorative crystal trophy. The awards are valid for 5 years.

The masterclass will feature a presentation by the West Midlands Deputy Lieutenants’ John Wood and Tom Westley, who will provide a detailed overview of the application process. Additionally, attendees will have the opportunity to hear firsthand from past winners about their journey to success and the tangible benefits derived from winning a King's Award for Enterprise.

Professor Monder Ram OBE DL, director of CREME, said:

“The King's Award for Enterprise is without a doubt the most prestigious accolade that any UK company can receive. The boost to your business, particularly internationally, and to company morale is immense.

“I encourage West Midlands-based businesses to join us for this insightful event which will be an excellent opportunity to learn from industry experts and gain valuable knowledge on how to position your business for success.”

The masterclass is free to attend and interested parties can register their interest here.

Eligibility for the categories can be checked here.


Centre for Research in Ethnic Minority Entrepreneurship to host business masterclass for King’s Award for Enterprise

new-aston-university-report-sets-out-blueprint-for-advancing-the-growth-potential-of-ethnic-minority-businesses-in-the-uk

 The Centre for Research in Ethnic Minority Entrepreneurship (CREME) has partnered with NatWest for the Time to Change report It sets out ten evidence-based recommendations for advancing the growth potential of ethnic minority businesses (EMBs) including increasing their GVA contribution from the current £25 billion a year to £100 billion The report is being launched at a special event on 10 May at NatWest Conference Centre in London with keynote speaker Sir Trevor Philips OBE.  A new report from Aston University has set out a plan for advancing the growth potential of ethnic minority businesses (EMBs) in the UK.

The Centre for Research in Ethnic Minority Entrepreneurship (CREME) has partnered with NatWest for the Time to Change report which sets out ten evidence-based recommendations to promote greater success and inclusion of ethnic minority businesses (EMBs) in finance and business support in the UK.

Experts say the implementation of the recommendations could help tackle the multiple barriers faced by EMBs, particularly in accessing finance, markets and quality business support, and could increase their GVA contribution from the current £25 billion a year to £100 billion, highlighting the significant potential of EMBs to the UK economy.

The report says that to combat racial inequality, there should be a UK-wide support for ethnic led businesses should be a standard feature of all future plans. This includes integrating them into broader policy agendas of inclusive growth, productivity and innovation.

A more inclusive approach to enterprise is key to tackling wider social structural barriers such as unequal access to employment opportunities and product markets, and gender and ethnicity pay gaps.

Concerted action is needed to support the growth ambitions of EMBs, particularly in light of damaging consequences of the pandemic for ethnic minority communities.

The report calls for a strong action to eliminate the longstanding challenge of discouragement of ethnic minority entrepreneurs from seeking finance and business support.

It found EMBs have been particularly hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic due to the sectors in which they tend to operate and recommends recovery support is focussed on the businesses that need it most.

The report also highlights the need for greater accountability of organisations across public, private and third sectors, including business support agencies, finance providers and large purchasing organisations, for their business engagement with EMBs.

Professor Monder Ram, director of the Centre for Research in Ethnic Minority Entrepreneurship at Aston Business School, said:

“This major report sets out an ambitious yet practical agenda to realise the potential of UK’s ethnic minority businesses.  “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.  “Drawing on the latest research and examples of international best practice, the report presents a comprehensive approach to tackling the barriers faced by firms owned by ethnic minority communities.  “We pinpoint key challenges and present recommendations – informed by extensive consultation with business support practitioners and entrepreneurs – that invite policy-makers, corporations and entrepreneurs to collaborate in a new partnership to advance entrepreneurial activities and the UK’s diverse communities.”  The report calls for central government and local decision makers to develop clear objectives for inclusive entrepreneurship, informed by evidence, and ensure that EMBs can access quality business support that helps them grow.

Dr Eva Kašperová, a research fellow at CREME, said:

“To address the barriers faced by EMBs and help them realise their entrepreneurial potential will require commitment and leadership from the government as well as local business support ecosystem actors.  “The current lack of an explicit UK-wide policy on inclusive entrepreneurship could mean that some parts of the country are left behind in terms of tackling structural inequalities and enabling entrepreneurs from ethnic minority communities and other under-represented or disadvantaged groups to access finance, wider markets and quality business support.  “If past experience is a guide, ensuring commitment from key stakeholders may be the biggest challenge.”  Andrew Harrison, head of Business Banking at NatWest Group, said:

“As the UK’s biggest bank for business, we’re committed to championing small businesses and supporting growth, but we know that there are barriers which disproportionately affect Ethnic Minority Businesses (EMBs).  “This is why we aim for at least 20% of the places on our 13 nationwide accelerator hubs to be for ethnic minority entrepreneurs. In 2021, 26% of businesses in our hubs were EMBs.  “Only close collaboration can deliver meaningful change to ensure EMBs get the support they need to reach their full potential. Now is the time to accelerate action, and at NatWest we commit to playing an integral role in the change that is required.”  The Centre for Research in Ethnic Minority Entrepreneurship (CREME) will share this report, inviting policy-makers, corporations and entrepreneurs to come together in a collaborative and strategic partnership to champion enterprise and advance entrepreneurial activities and the UKs diverse communities, further building an inclusive entrepreneurial eco-system supporting businesses to thrive at a launch event at NatWest Conference Centre in London on 10 May.


New Aston University report sets out blueprint for advancing the growth potential of ethnic minority businesses in the UK

aston-university-professor-made-deputy-lieutenant-for-the-west-midlands

 Professor Monder Ram has been recognised for his work around ethnic minority entrepreneurship Six individuals have been given the honour for contributing significantly to either national life, to their local communities – or both He will support the Lord-Lieutenant in several ways including attending on Royalty during official visits to the County.  The Lord-Lieutenant of the West Midlands, John Crabtree OBE, has announced the appointment of an Aston University professor as a deputy lieutenant for the West Midlands.

Six individuals, whose backgrounds range from music to education, entrepreneurship, and tackling homelessness, have been given the honour for contributing significantly to either national life, to their local communities – or both.

Professor Monder Ram, director of the Centre for Research in Ethnic Minority Entrepreneurship (CREME) at Aston University, has been recognised for his work around ethnic minority entrepreneurship.

The new appointees will support the Lord-Lieutenant, Her Majesty’s personal representative in the West Midlands, in several ways including attending on Royalty during official visits to the County, representation at citizenship ceremonies, supporting the armed forces of the Crown particularly the reserve and cadet forces, encouraging charitable and voluntary work and local initiatives to benefit the community, as well as promoting and encouraging nominations for Honours and Queen’s Awards for the County of the West Midlands.

Professor Monder Ram, director of the Centre for Research in Ethnic Minority Entrepreneurship (CREME) at Aston University, said:

“I am delighted and honoured to be appointed a Deputy Lieutenant for the West Midlands region. This role will provide an invaluable opportunity for me promote the importance of diversity, inclusion and enterprise, which are central to my work at CREME.”  The West Midlands Lieutenancy comprises Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall and Wolverhampton. It was established in 1974.

John Crabtree OBE, the Lord-Lieutenant for the West Midlands and Aston University honorary graduate, said:

“The six appointments came at a pivotal time for the West Midlands which this year is on the national and world stage with Coventry as UK City of Culture and the region hosting the Commonwealth Games in July and August - as well as participating fully in the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. The West Midlands is this year welcoming visitors from throughout the world and the West Midlands Lieutenancy is committed to supporting and representing every community in the County.” 

Aston University professor made deputy lieutenant for the West Midlands

Professor Monder Ram, Director of the Centre for Ethnic Minority Entrepreneurship (CREME), offers some insights into the unique contribution Citizens UK have made in their research into migrant business organising.

Monder Ram: Migrant Business Organising &amp; working with Citizens UK

Professor Monder Ram, Director for the Centre for Research in Ethnic Minority Entrepreneurship at Birmingham Business School, talks about Common Purpose puts diversity at the heart of the leadership debate.

Common Purpose is a not-for-profit organization founded in 1989 that develops leaders who can cross boundaries. This enables them to solve complex problems both in organizations and in cities. We now run programmes in over 70 cities worldwide, and have more than 70,000 Alumni from over 100 countries and 6 continents.

Our participants are leaders from different sectors, specializations, geographies, generations, backgrounds and beliefs. This diversity is what makes our programmes so special, and enables our participants to learn from each other’s approaches, challenges and visions.

For more information on the programmes we offer for individuals, organizations and universities please visit http://commonpurpose.org/ 

http://commonpurpose.org/ 
https://twitter.com/CommonPurposeUK 
https://www.linkedin.com/company/common-purpose/ 
https://www.instagram.com/commonpurpose/

Professor Monder Ram on why Common Purpose

Professor Monder Ram and Jawaahir Daahir will talk about the inherent entrepreneurial attitudes and actions of migrants to Leicester.

Monder Ram joined Birmingham Business School from De Montfort University in September 2013 where he was Professor of Small Business and Director of Centre for Research in Ethnic Minority Entrepreneurship (CREME).

He is a leading authority on small business and ethnic minority entrepreneurship research and has published widely. Monder Ram was responsible for initiating the annual Ethnic Minority Business Conference in 1998, now the most important event in the calendar for disseminating policy and research on ethnic minority firms.

He was named as one of the country’s most influential Asians by the Institute of Asian Professionals and was awarded an OBE in the 2004.


Writer, Journalist, Researcher, Social Worker and Somali Diaspora Consultant.

Founder and CEO of Somali Development Services and worked as a Social Worker in The Netherlands.

She has twenty years of proven management, directorship and developmental skills within the Voluntary and Community Sector.

Moreover, she was member of ITV Midlands Diversity Advisory Panel, Leicestershire Multicultural Advisory Group, Community Governor in Upland Junior Primary School and she is a member of Independent Advisory Group for the Leicestershire Police.

She is acknowledged locally, regionally and nationally for her work in supporting local disadvantaged communities. Lately she has been honoured with British Empire Medal by Her Majesty, The Queen for her work in Leicester.

Her published work includes:

Lead researcher of ‘Somalis in Leicester’, 2014

Co-editor of Somali-English book; Somalia to Europe: Leicester – 2011

Somali-Dutch migration to Leicester-UK, 2006



This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx

Routes to Enterprise | Professor Monder Ram &amp; Jawaahir Daahir | TEDxLeicester

The Enterprise and Diversity Alliance, led by Professor Monder Ram with co-director Kiran Trehan, has improved ethnic minority entrepreneurs' access to finance, markets and business support, providing a unique support network.

Professor Ram, with Kiran Trehan, is a finalist for Outstanding Impact in Business and Enterprise in the ESRC Celebrating Impact Prize 2017.

Network boosts ethnic minority business

Introduction to Diversity Theme by Prof Monder Ram

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