In March this year Dr Arun Bajaj reached a milestone. He was appointed chairman of the Birmingham-based Institute of Asian Business, a body he had vice-chaired in 2003.
He took over from Gurjeet Kaur Bains who was the organisation's first woman chairperson. As well as promoting Asian businesses nationally, the IAB works in close co-ordination with the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The two organisations are involved in helping trade links between companies in the Birmingham area and India.
Dr Arun Bajaj is the founder of Radio XL, the largest Asian commercial radio station outside London, of which he has been managing director for 12 years. He also sits on the Regional Advisory Council for ITV Central Television.
Radio XL is a 24-hour station which, as well as broadcasting to the Asian community, is involved in organising concerts, roadshows and outdoor park events. The station has close links with the community it serves and under Dr Bajaj's guidance, is actively involved in fund raising for charity.
Radio XL listeners donated £32,000, which was match funded by Birmingham Rotary Club, to build and repair schools and health centres in India.
Before becoming a media entrepreneur Dr Bajaj was a prominent dental surgeon. He went to the Royal Dental Hospital in London, and specialised in oral and maxillo-facial surgery at Good Hope Hospital for 12 years. Alongside his dentistry he was also involved in developing the family business, KMS Ltd, which trades in the import and export of motor parts.
Dr Bajaj attributes his success to a "normal" integrated upbringing. He went to a state comprehensive in Coventry, and in his words: "I've been mixing with white kids all my life." He is opposed to faith schools and believes all children should be taught all religions.
"I believe in a broad outlook on life. Everyone is a human being. It doesn't matter how much money you have or what religion you are," he said.
