Entrepreneur and property developer Utkarsh Thakkar has come a long way from earning £1 on paper rounds to leading a growing property business set to deliver more than 60 new homes this year.
Growing up in humble circumstances, he funded his own ambitions by taking on small jobs and buying and selling second-hand items from a young age. "Looking back, those experiences taught me independence, resilience, and the importance of taking responsibility for my own ambitions," Thakkar says. "They also taught me the value of money and hard work."
That entrepreneurial spirit led him into property at the age of 21, when he refurbished a small one-bedroom property. Yet for him, the true measure of success goes far beyond the balance sheet.
"The most rewarding part has been seeing something begin as an idea on a piece of paper and eventually become a real home, business, or community," he says. "Awards and recognition are always appreciated, but the greatest satisfaction comes from knowing that something we have created has made a positive and lasting difference."
Navigating today's property sector, however, comes with formidable challenges. Thakkar identifies affordability, rising land, construction and finance costs, along with a sluggish planning system, as some of the biggest hurdles facing the industry. Yet, he believes the focus should extend beyond simply helping people buy a home.
"A house only becomes a proper home when the people living in it can afford to enjoy it without constantly worrying about rising bills," he says.
To overcome these barriers, he champions brownfield regeneration, alternative construction methods, and smaller, energy-efficient designs that reduce living costs for first-time buyers and young families.
A Partnership Built on Shared Values
Behind the commercial success lies a dynamic home life grounded in community and public service. He is married to Shivani Raja, who made national headlines when she was elected as the Conservative Member of Parliament for Leicester East—marking the party's sole gain on an otherwise challenging election night. On being asked about Shivani's achievement, Thakkar says, "I am incredibly proud of Shivani."
"Becoming the Member of Parliament for Leicester East was a historic achievement," he says with pride. "It was not an overnight success. It came through years of hard work, resilience, sacrifice, and a willingness to keep going even when the odds were against her."
Acknowledging the demands of his wife's role, Thakkar says, "Shivani's role carries a huge amount of responsibility. Public life does not end when Parliament finishes sitting for the day." He adds that an MP's responsibilities include constituency work, casework management, numerous events, travel and regular engagement with residents, community groups, businesses and stakeholders.
Balancing demanding business schedules, parliamentary duties and raising a newborn son is no small feat. Like many working families, Thakkar says they take each week as it comes, with family remaining the priority. He also credits their support system, adding, "Both sets of grandparents are always willing to help. In Asian families, that wider family structure is often a real strength, and we certainly feel very grateful for it."
Behind the scenes, his role is clear: providing a grounded perspective and unwavering support so his wife can focus on her constituents.
"Shivani represents one of the most diverse constituencies in the country. Her responsibility is to serve every single resident of Leicester East, regardless of their community, faith, background, or political view," he notes. Ultimately, we operate as a team."
Holding the Door Open for the Next Generation
Reflecting on the wider diaspora, he points to figures who paved the way across business and public life—citing pioneers like Lord Dolar Popat in politics, the Hinduja, Mittal, and Agarwal families in industry, and philanthropic icons like the Dhamechas and Chetwanis.
For him, representation is vital, but it must be paired with action and a commitment to lifting others up.
"In many Asian families, the first generation worked incredibly hard to create security. The next generation built on that foundation through education, business, and professional careers," he says. "Our generation now has a responsibility to use that platform to give something back."
His final message to young British South Asians contemplating their own paths is simple: do not wait for permission to lead.