Lord Rami Ranger’s story, shaped by adversity and success, offers valuable insights into business leadership, community advocacy, and policy reforms, writes L. George
The remarkable journey from a post-partition refugee to a distinguished entrepreneur and member of the House of Lords is a testament to resilience, determination, and an unwavering commitment to public service. Lord Rami Ranger’s story, shaped by adversity and success, offers valuable insights into business leadership, community advocacy, and policy reforms.
Born in the aftermath of India’s partition, his life began in turmoil. His father, an ardent opponent of the partition, was tragically assassinated while protecting students during communal riots. Just two months later, he was born, and his family fled to India as refugees. His mother, a highly educated woman, single-handedly raised eight children despite immense financial struggles. Her relentless perseverance and strong values laid the foundation for his future success.
His brothers went on to serve as commissioned officers in the Indian Army while he pursued a legal education in the UK. However, financial constraints meant he had to take on various jobs, from cleaning cars to working at KFC, before eventually securing managerial positions at McCain Foods and Currys. His business journey began when he established a freight forwarding company, which later evolved into a thriving export business. Through dedication and ethical business practices, he built a company with a turnover of £160 million within 20 years.
His contributions to business and international trade earned him an unprecedented five consecutive Queen’s Awards, a record-breaking achievement. Recognising the need for greater representation of the Indian community in UK politics, he actively worked to open doors for Asian representation in mainstream political spheres. His advocacy efforts were acknowledged at the highest levels, with Prime Minister David Cameron presenting him with the Queen’s Award and Rishi Sunak recognising his contributions at a party conference.
As a staunch advocate for women’s empowerment, he actively supports initiatives that promote gender equality. His daughter leads a women’s empowerment organisation, a cause he fervently backs. Through participation in women-focused events, he underscores the importance of education and equal opportunities for women, emphasising that an empowered woman contributes to a stronger family and a progressive society. His mother’s education had been instrumental in shaping his future, reinforcing his belief that women’s empowerment is crucial for societal advancement.
His advice is simple yet profound for those embarking on their entrepreneurial journey: success should be accompanied by a commitment to giving back. He encourages business owners to invest in education and philanthropic initiatives, believing that societal upliftment benefits everyone in the long run. Furthermore, he urges entrepreneurs to engage in political discussions, as government policies directly impact businesses and future generations.
Recognising the challenges ethnic minority businesses have historically faced in the UK, he advocates for tailored initiatives such as mentorship programs, increased funding access, and policies that ensure fair representation in government contracts and corporate supply chains. These initiatives would enable ethnic minority businesses to scale and compete internationally.
Addressing post-Brexit economic challenges, he believes the UK must focus on strengthening trade ties with Europe while maintaining control over immigration. The original European Economic Community was designed for trade cooperation, and he argues that a similar balance must be struck moving forward to ensure long-term economic stability for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
As London grapples with inflation and high living costs, he calls for reinstating the ‘London Weighting Allowance’ to support workers. Additionally, he highlights the potential of repurposing unused buildings to address the housing crisis. Given London’s status as a global financial hub, he insists its residents have access to top-tier healthcare, education, and a sustainable quality of life.
While he acknowledges the economic contributions of immigration, he also stresses the need for controlled policies to prevent strain on public services such as healthcare and housing. The UK’s population has surged significantly without proportional infrastructure development, and he calls for policies that address workforce shortages in critical sectors while maintaining economic stability.
London’s rich diversity is one of its greatest strengths, but he believes social integration must be reinforced through shared British values, language programs, and inclusive policies. Additionally, he calls for a return to traditional neighbourhood policing to curb rising crime rates. A safer London is beneficial for residents and essential for maintaining the city’s reputation as a global destination.
On improving housing accessibility for older people and people with disabilities, he highlights the alarming statistic that only 3% of newly approved homes are designed to accommodate older and disabled individuals. He advocates for a mandatory policy requiring at least 10% of new developments to be accessibility-friendly. He argues that such a regulation would foster a more inclusive housing market, ensuring that vulnerable populations are not left behind.
His journey from a refugee to a successful entrepreneur and finally to the House of Lords is a powerful narrative of resilience, leadership, and service. Through his business, politics, and community development work, he continues to leave a lasting impact, advocating for policies that foster economic growth, social equality, and a stronger, more inclusive Britain. His story inspires aspiring entrepreneurs and leaders, demonstrating that with determination and integrity, one can truly shape a better future for society.
