Environmental and social campaigners have visited King Charles III at his first reception as monarch in the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

Naseem Talukdar and Moslek Uddin were among 300 members of the British south-east Asian community to be invited to the official residence of His Majesty The King in Edinburgh.

The event was held to recognise the contribution these communities have made to the health service, arts, media, education, business and the armed forces.

Naseem founded Projects Against Plastic (PAP) to find ways to reduce single-plastic use – starting in the hospitality sector.

While Moslek, from Weston, founded UK Curry Connect (UKCC), which tackles skills shortages in the Asian food industry.

And they have created a partnership to bring greater change in the industry.

Tackling climate change

Naseem, who has been nominated for an MTM award – celebrating the work of diverse communities and individuals across the South West, said: “His Majesty was keen to learn about the challenges and accomplishments of the plastic pollution campaign.”

Naseem has worked with representatives from mosques in Bristol to find sustainable ways to serve food and drink while breaking fast during Ramadan.

He added: “The Queen Consort was impressed to learn about PAP’s activity over the past few years.

“She was keen to learn more about the Plastic Free Ramadan campaign – set to be a nationwide event to enable the faith communities to reduce food waste and plastic waste.”

Moslek who heads Chutneys in Weston, is a PAP trustee and uses reusable metal containers, called tiffins, for food orders at his takeaway.

Moslek and Naseem have hosted ‘Curry and Conversation‘ workshops with Weston Chamber of Commerce to encourage others to reduce their single-use plastic usage.

Moslek, who was inspired to take action by his young daughter who watched BBC documentary Blue Planet where Sir David Attenborough highlights the effect of climate change, said: “It’s important that we act now for future generations.”

Tackling skill shortages

Moslek founded UKCC to raise awareness of staff and skills shortages – exacerbated since the pandemic – and find solutions.

He said: “His Majesty has shown his support for the hospitality industry and called it “one of this country’s greatest success stories”.

“He recognises the contribution the sector makes to the wealth and welfare of our economy and that we face greater challenges today.

“It was a great event and an opportunity to raise awareness of our work, while celebrating the achievements of our community.”

Naseem is director for social responsibility and sustainability for (UKCC) and helped to deliver free hot meals to key workers and vulnerable people during lockdown with the campaign group. He has also worked with UKCC to highlight environmental issues.

Moslek, an executive chef and director at Sponsor Licence Specialists, which offers legal support for companies recruiting overseas workers, helped organise a team of 15 chefs to take part in the Culinary World Cup in Luxembourg.

And their showstopper, Time Running Out: Plastic or Planet, which aimed to highlight the current threat to the environment, was awarded a gold medal.

Policy

The UKCC has consulted with the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) on issues surrounding recruitment within the industry and the various challenges they face since the outbreak of Covid-19.

The team also worked with the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for ethnic minority small business owners to raise concerns of those working in the field