(15 January 2009)

Entrepreneur and star of BBC's Dragon's Den, James Caan was today appointed the new Co-Chair of the Department of Business's Ethnic Minority Task Force. James Caan's responsibilities will include providing a strategic direction to the Task Force and opening up discussions with Banks and financial institutions on ways in which the Government can better support BME business owners. The appointment was announced by Lord Mandelson following the sixth meeting of the Task force.

Speaking on the appointment, Lord Mandelson Secretary of State for Business Said: "It is more important than ever that we create an environment where anyone with ambition, passion and a good idea - no matter what their background - can succeed.

"I am delighted that James Caan is joining the Ethnic Minority Business Task Force. His entrepreneurial expertise and business acumen will further build of the Task force's work in removing barriers for BME business owners".

James Caan said: "I am pleased to be working with the Ethnic Minority Business Task Force which is a very important initiative.

"The Entrepreneurial sector of the Economy has always been where my passion lies and to which the Ethnic Minority group makes a very valuable contribution. I am looking forward to using the same skills that I apply across all my business ventures to deliver tangible results."

The Task Force aims to foster growth among black and minority ethnic (BME) firms and boost economic participation by BME entrepreneurs.

James Caan will take up the position for 12 months from Adeeba Malik who stepped down in October due to work commitments in Pakistan.

The Task Force is jointly funded by the Department for Business and England's Regional Development Agencies (RDAs). Yorkshire Forward is the lead RDA and work closely with the London Development Agency, who lead on equalities, and the EMDA who lead on enterprise. The Ethnic Minority Business Task Force was established with two co-chairs to ensure RDA engagement as well as the interests of the business community.