George, R. and Dhaliwal, S. 2025. Navigating Uncertainty: Challenges Faced by Bangladeshi Female Entrepreneurs in East London, UK. Journal of Entrepreneurship. 33 (4). Advanced online publication. https://doi.org/10.1177/09713557241309481
| Title | Navigating Uncertainty: Challenges Faced by Bangladeshi Female Entrepreneurs in East London, UK |
|---|---|
| Type | Journal article |
| Authors | George, R. and Dhaliwal, S. |
| 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). 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 the 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 adds to the growing body of academic literature on female entrepreneurs and ethnic minority entrepreneurs and understanding the business and societal issues they face. and provides valuable insights for policymakers and business support professionals regarding this potentially influential and growing subgroup. |
| Keywords | Bangladeshi entrepreneurs |
| East London | |
| gender | |
| barriers | |
| ethnic diversity | |
| Journal | Journal of Entrepreneurship |
| Journal citation | 33 (4) |
| ISSN | 0971-3557 |
| 0973-0745 | |
| Year | 2025 |
| Publisher | SAGE Publications |
| Accepted author manuscript | File Access Level Open (open metadata and files) |
| Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.1177/09713557241309481 |
| Publication dates | |
| Published online | 25 Jan 2025 |