Upkar is Emeritus Professor of Enterprise Development and was formerly the Director of Corporate Social Responsibility (2008 to 2010) and the Dean of Birmingham City Business School (1996 to 2008). He is co-founder and CEO of MyEd.com – a comprehensive resource for parents and students to make informed education choices. He has extensive senior management experience of UK education in general and of the higher education sector in particular. Upkar worked in Ethiopia for four years where he directed the development of the country’s first international Business School at Addis Ababa University and Ethiopian Aviation Academy. He is the former Vice Chairman of the Nishkam Schools Trust (a multiple Academy) with 3 Primary Schools and 2 Secondary Schools) and has extensive knowledge and experience of governance, leadership and management of nurseries, primary and secondary schools in England.

Upkar has been supporting local communities in Birmingham and West Midlands for 30 years and plays an active role in several social enterprises and faith-based organisations. He was the Chairman of The Drum (one of UK’s leading Art Centres for Asian and African-Caribbean performing arts) for 13 years. He is also Vice Chair of Nishkam Civic Association (The Nishkam Centre) and Trustee of Kyra Education and Training.

In 2006, Upkar was awarded the OBE for services to higher education. In 2005 and 2007, Upkar was selected to be included in Asian Power 100 list, which recognises 100 most influential Asian men and women in the UK.