15 June 2010

Digital Media Entrepreneur, Lopa Patel MBE has been appointed a Non-Executive Director of the Ethnic Minority Business Group (EMBG) - a not-for-profit organisation founded in 2005 to promote the interests of the ethnic minority business community in Britain. Founded by four entrepreneurs, EMBG currently has in excess of 2000 business members in London and the South East, a network of 4000 contacts nationally and links with key government departments and business networks.

Lopa Patel, founder of South Asian lifestyle portal, Redhotcurry.com, brings a wealth of business experience to EMBG. She started her career at Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI) before leaving to set up her first business, a direct marketing services company. A science graduate, she has used the combination of her technical and marketing skills in guiding several industry organisations and business networks over the years, particularly those involved in encouraging women and entrepreneurship. In 2009, Lopa was recognised with an MBE for services to Britain's creative industries. She said of her appointment, "I am very impressed with the ethos of EMBG, it is an entrepreneur-led group for entrepreneurs. I hope to encourage greater emphasis on digital entrepreneurship, women in business and most importantly, in getting young entrepreneurs started".

CEO of EMBG, Alok Mitra welcomed Lopa saying, "Encouraging greater entrepreneurship among all sectors of society is vital for the future of Britain. As a business group we are conscious of the need to encourage women, ethnic minorities and the young to take the plunge in setting up businesses and ensuring that they continue to flourish. Lopa's unique combination of skills which bridge digital entrepreneurship, education, charity and technology sectors mean she brings a valuable insight to the Board. We couldn't hope to find a better role model for EMBG".

About EMBG

The Ethnic Minority Business Group (EMBG) was formed in 2005 as a not-for-profit organisation to promote, advance and coordinate the interests of the ethnic minority business community in their trade, business or professional activities; to facilitate the integration of these businesses into the mainstream; promote entrepreneurship, encourage profitable growth and to use trade to break down barriers between communities in order to foster greater social cohesion, corporate governance and social responsibility.

Directors of EMBG are Alok Mitra FCA (CEO), Larry Rach and John Roberts with Lopa Patel MBE as a Non-Executive Director. Dr Rami Ranger MBE FRSA is patron to the group which currently has Patrick S Frederick, Dr Tim Rhodes and Dilip Joshi MBE as advisors. Visit www.embg.co.uk for further information