Imran Patel

I have been self-employed for over 10 years, successfully managing all aspects of a busy automotive business. My responsibilities included customer service, vehicle bookings, cash handling, staff supervision, stock control, ordering parts, supplier management, and ensuring compliance with current legislation. I regularly travelled to Europe to source and purchase stock directly, arranged international transportation and container shipments, and handled customer complaints and day-to-day business operations.

I recently closed the business following a mutual agreement with my landlord, a local mosque, which required the premises to expand its community facilities, including a youth hub and nursery.

Alongside my business experience, I am actively involved in volunteering within the funeral sector. My role involves supporting bereaved families through the entire funeral process, from the initial notification of death through to burial. I assist with documentation and liaise with doctors, Medical Examiners, Coroners, Police, Cemeteries, Registrars, and other relevant agencies. Through building strong professional relationships with these departments, I am able to help families navigate the process efficiently and sensitively during a difficult time. This role has strengthened communication, organisational, problem-solving, and stakeholder management skills while allowing to provide valuable support to the local community.

I have extensive experience organising and coordinating large scale events within the local mosque and wider community. This includes planning logistics, coordinating volunteers, managing schedules, liaising with community leaders and external organisation, ensuring health and safety requirements are met, and overseeing the smooth running of events from start to finish. These responsibilities have strengthened my leadership, communication, organisational, and problem solving skills