Navigating Uncertainty: Challenges Faced by Bangladeshi Female Entrepreneurs in East London, UK

Abstract

Asian businesses have played a significant role in the UK economy, with research often examining the success factors of Asian entrepreneurs who rose from humble beginnings. However, there is a paucity of research on Asian women in business who are playing an increasingly important role within this entrepreneurial minority. This study aims to rectify this by shedding light on the challenges and experiences of eight Bangladeshi female entrepreneurs in the Brick Lane area of London. The last few years has seen the UK economy face several challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic as well as a downturn in the economy caused by a number of macroenvironmental factors (ONS. [2023]. GDP in history: How the COVID-19 pandemic shocked the UK economy). The Brick Lane area of London, located in the East End, has undergone much change and transformation and is dominated by male-led businesses. This poses a challenge for female-led enterprises. The women in the study sample of qualitative, semi-structured telephone interviews explored the challenges they faced in starting up and developing their businesses within a patriarchal community and, in particular, how the turbulence of the COVID-19 pandemic impacted them. This research contributes to several neglected issues within this important field of Asian entrepreneurship in the UK and, as a result, a clearer picture will emerge of the roles, responsibilities and relationships of the relatively marginal Bangladeshi women entrepreneurs. This study aims to fill a research gap and to add to the growing body of academic literature on female entrepreneurs and ethnic minority entrepreneurs and on understanding the business and societal issues they face. It provides valuable insights for policymakers and business support professionals regarding this potentially influential and growing subgroup.