Chirag Mehta
BA (Hons) in International Business, 2003
My Business now . . .
I am involved in the family business originally
started in Uganda, East Africa, which is now in its fourth
generation. We currently design, manufacture, import and distribute
household textiles and soft furnishings for private labels and our
own brands - Chantal, May Fair, Dreamlovers and
Snowqueen. I developed another arm of the business
- Third Space Apparels the manufacturing
division in India. We provide a service in the UK and European
companies to deliver high quality garments with short lead times
and competitive pricing and with that business currently on auto
pilot, I am currently looking to develop export markets for our
household textiles, with my first two targets being Denmark and
Russia.
Having a RBS London Education . . .
I am using all the knowledge gained during my
study at RBS London. I find it extremely useful the skills and
qualities that I gained in my years here. Especially as it
wasn’t all theory based, there were many practical case studies and
participation during the classes. After my graduation, The RBS
London network currently helps me with identifying various contacts
and potential business partners , through the extensive
database that they have of the high calibre alumni and current
students. With networking one of the corner stones of business, RBS
London helps me to identify good events to attend to meet like
minded individuals in business.
Being an entrepreneur . . .
What motivated me was the support of my family in
starting a new division within the business.
Knowing that I have 50+ years of experience backing me and
that my success will be shared out amongst the group. Unlike in a
corporate environment where most people just end up being part of
the fixtures and fittings. No doubt there were obstacles that I
faced and still am facing today, at various time I came head to
head with the family with my views and opinions. Also proving to
members of the staff that I wasn’t just given a free hand into the
business and ensuring that I was and am worth my place in the
business, still something that only success will determine. In the
future, I hope to create a brand for my export market,
and sell the business or brand within 5 years. Then perhaps start a
clothing label of my own, it’s great to see people wearing clothes
that you designed or made.
Successful is due to hard work and perseverance, nothing
comes easy and if you believe in something go with it. If you don’t
succeed in your first or second or third project, its NOT failure -
its experience! And contrary to what any business school may tell
you, this experience is something they (the business schools)
cannot teach. ALSO don’t become emotionally attached to a business
or project, if you do, emotion will run your business not
commerciality.
Interview conducted in 2003 and edited by Joanna Chan.