South Asian ethnic minority small and medium enterprises in the UK: a review and research agenda

Abstract

It is argued in this paper that: ethnic minority population and their enterprises, predominated by South Asians, are growing faster than their mainstream counterparts in the UK; past research paid more attention to either South Asian ethnic minority SMEs based in and around London only or owned by Indian entrepreneurs only than South Asian ethnic minority SMEs elsewhere in the UK or owned by Pakistani and Bangladeshi entrepreneurs. Further scholarly investigation is needed to explain: the relationship between educational levels and entrepreneurial orientation; and intra-ethnic minority entrepreneurial differences between South Asian ethnic minority entrepreneurs in the UK by expanding the research scope both geographically and contextually. Key words: Small and Medium Enterprises, South Asian Ethnic Minority Entrepreneurship, Ethnic Minority Enterprises, Profile of Asian Businesses, Role of SMEs in Economic GrowthReference to this paper should be made as follows: Haq, M. (xxxx) 'South Asian ethnic minority small and medium enterprises in the UK: a review and research agenda', Int. J. Entrepreneurship and Small Business, Vol. X, No. Y, pp.xxx-xxx. Biographical notes:Muhibul Haq is a Social Researcher and is currently affiliated with the School of Management, University of Bradford. His research interests are strategic human capital and ethnic minority enterprises. He has over 12 years of industry experience as a practitioner in human resource management.

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The Policy Paradox: Bridging the Gap Between Ethnic Entrepreneurship and Immigrant Integration Policies

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“…In the UK, the term 'ethnic entrepreneurs' was previously predominated by certain ethnic groups; in particular, South Asians such as Indians and Pakistanis (Haq, 2015). Fundamental changes have taken place with regards to the demographic and socio-economic profile of ethnic groups, due to a recent immigrant influx from Eastern Europe.…”

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