Local Environmental campaigner is shortlisted for award

A social entrepreneur and environmental campaigner has been nominated for an MTM award, which celebrates the work and contributions of diverse communities and individuals across the South West.

 

Naseem Talukdar, who founded charity Projects Against Plastic (PAP) and recruitment firm Regency Ltd, has been shortlisted as for the prestigious MTM Mukhtyar Singh Community Champion Awards.

 

The award celebrates extraordinary individuals who go above and beyond to uplift and unite minority ethnic communities.

 

Naseem, who lives in Fishponds, Bristol, said: “It is an honour to be nominated for an MTM award and I am grateful to everyone who has supported me.”

Sustainability

 

Naseem, who set up Regency to supply seasonal workers for UK horticulture from climate-affected countries in South-East Asia, has returned from a delegation in Bangladesh.

 

 

 

 

During the Europe-Bangladesh Federation of Commerce and Industry (EBFCI) event, he forged connections with the Amal Foundation, a charity that provides humanitarian needs, and two universities – to engage on sustainable and research projects.

 

And the UWE IT graduate has launched a ‘One Tree per Student’ initiative under PAP, with the aim to plant one million trees in Bangladesh by next year – then to roll it out globally.

 

The trained software engineer and former waste education officer is also looking at ways to tackle food waste in Bangladesh and create renewable energy.

 

He said: “I think collaboration is the way forward and we can achieve so much more as a team. It’s vital we look at sustainable practices and work towards a more equitable future.”

 

Community difference-maker

 

Naseem has received MTM awards in the past in recognition of his work with PAP, which looks at ways to reduce single-plastic use – starting in the catering industry, and Feed the Homeless– helping provide thousands of home-cooked meals to rough sleepers. Naseem helped launch Plastic Free Ramadan with PAP and the Bristol Muslim Strategic Leadership Group (BMSLG).

 

The campaign, which looked at sustainable ways to serve food and drink while breaking fast, has since gone nationwide – with the potential to reduce hundreds of tonnes of waste.

 

Naseem has led workshops to educate residents, business owners and community leaders on ways to tackle climate change as part of the Curry and Conversation series.

 

And Regency has made a difference to communities both in the UK and Bangladesh. Workers have been able to invest in community projects, such as wells to access fresh water for drinking, washing and cooking.

 

In turn, the farming industry in the UK has benefited from employees with an agriculture-rich background- boosting productivity and the amount of produce delivered to food outlets.

 

Local, national and international significance

 

Naseem, whose forefathers came to the UK for work opportunities and later ran a restaurant, is the director for social responsibility and sustainability for UK Curry Connect (UKCC). It is a campaign group set up to raise awareness of skills shortages in the Asian catering industry.

 

 

UKCC has written a policy proposal that addresses the plight of undocumented migrants and consulted with the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) on issues surrounding recruitment within our industry.

 

They have also worked with the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Ethnic Minority Business Owners to raise concerns of those in the industry.

 

Naseem, a champion for Gympanzees, a company with a mission to make sure young disabled people can live lives full of exercise, play and friendship, was also involved in a project to encourage homeless and undocumented migrants to have the Covid vaccine to protect themselves in Bristol.

 

And he supported British Curry Day, to commemorate forefathers in the industry and raise money for local good causes.

 

Naseem said: “My driving force is to make a difference in my community and further afield. I also want to support and give a voice to those who are underrepresented in our society.”

 

He continues to address social inequalities and choose more sustainable options to protect the planet and future generations.

 

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