Leading business figures pay tribute to pioneering Asian businessman

Leading West Midland business figures have paid tribute to Dipak Shelat (pictured), a stalwart of the region’s Asian business community linked to the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce for more than 35 years, who has passes away.

Dipak was the first manager of the Institute of Asian Businesses after the group launched in the aftermath of the Handsworth riots in the mid-1980s and went on to leave an indelible mark on the region’s Asian business community over several decades.

Nasir Awan, past president of both the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce and the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce, said: “Dipak was a good friend and colleague who was involved with the IAB since its inception in 1987.

“His commitment and service were much valued. We are saddened by his loss and send our sympathies to his family.”

Katrina Raipuri, ABCC manager, said: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Dipak, a founding figure of the Asian business community in the UK and a valued former Director of the IAB, now the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce.

“Dipak played an instrumental role in establishing the IAB in 1987 and dedicated nearly three decades of service to the Chamber, helping to shape its growth and impact until his retirement in 2014.

“His commitment, leadership and passion for supporting businesses will be remembered with great respect and gratitude. On behalf of everyone at ABCC, I extend our sincere condolences to Dipak’s family, friends, and all who had the privilege of working with him. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations.”

Dipak joined the IAB on its formation in 1987 under the chairmanship of Om Parmar, and the organisation’s aim was to offer professional advice and assistance to Asian businesses, many of whom were located in inner-city areas.

It was estimated that at the time one in five businesses in Birmingham were ethnic minority owned, of which 90 per cent were Asian.

It was felt that giving assistance to such businesses would help improve the social fabric of some of Birmingham’s most deprived areas.

For nearly all of his lengthy association with the IAB Dipak was the manager of the organisation, eventually stepping down to pursue family commitments, focusing his energies with wife Meena on fostering.