AN internet entrepreneur has won a place on a national group to help champion the cause of ethnic minority businesses.

Kam Kothia, managing director of Blackburn-based E-Marketing Services, is a founder member of the Ethnic Minority Business Forum which has just met for the first time in London.

He joins leading business people and professionals on the board.

"I will be raising issues that concern etnic minotirty business in East Lancashire which are a signicant part of the local economny," said Mr Kothia.

"We have a unique make-up of ethnnic business here compared to other parts of the country and as such it is important to recognise their needs."

The Forum was launched by Trade Secretary Stephen Byers and Small Business Minister Patrica Hewitt.

"The Forum will be a strong voice at the heart of Government," stressed Ms Hewitt.

"One in ten small businesses are headed up by an ethnic minority entrepreneur and their annual contribution to the economy is around £37billion and so we must do all we can to ensure all businesses thrive and achieve their full potential."

A major part of the Forum's role will be to inform ethnic minority businesses about the work of the DTI and advise civil servants on the likely impact of future policy on ethnic minority businesses.

Mr Kothia is also chairman of the Blackburn Indian Workers Association and vice chairman of the Blackburn with Darwen Racial Equality Council.