James Caan has spent the past twenty years building and selling businesses in the UK and abroad. The knowledge and experience that he has amassed has made him an invaluable resource to UK PLC and consequently he has been approached by the British Government on a number of initiatives related to UK business.
He was delighted to be asked to Chair the Ethnic Minority Business Task Force which saw him participating in the Government response to the reports."Ultimately it is important for people themselves to decide whether they want to start their own businesses. They need to be empowered to do so and not to feel they need to seek permission. Government can play a key role to ensure that those who are under-represented in business are given every opportunity to turn their ideas and aspirations into successful businesses. The focus is clear for Britain to emerge from this downturn a strong, bold and confident country, ready for the challenges and opportunities ahead."
Another exciting project that he helped in the creation and launch of was the iawards. An idea that evolved from a brainstorm at Number 10 with Lord Drayson, into a grand awards ceremony recognising the best of British Business in the UK's science, technology, and innovation. Along with Lord Drayson, James was able to provide this particular industry with a great platform on which to showcase British talent and will become what hopes to be an annual event. One project that lies particularly close to James' heart is an ongoing dialogue with DFID about education in Pakistan. Not only is this the cause about which James is most passionate, and one which is the priority of the James Caan Foundation, it is also an area which the UK Government has identified as key to the progress of Pakistan.
James continues to champion entrepreneurship in the UK and worked closely with Global Entrepreneurship Week to deliver a reception speech to open the event. He also had the opportunity to work with some young entrepreneurs at the 'Flying Start Rally', giving advice and insight into the challenges they may face.
