A Luton community and business leader has spoken of his pride at being appointed as Deputy Lieutenant of Bedfordshire at the age of just 38.
Father-of-four Mostaque Koyes, from Luton, is one of the youngest people to hold the honorary position in the county.
He was named today, along with four others, and will serve in the post until the age of 75.
“I am delighted to have received this great honour, which comes with great responsibility,” said Mostaque. “I am committed to continuing my service to the Bedfordshire community as we look to overcome the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.”
“Many people have inspired me and supported me in my journey. The Deputy Lieutenant role is an opportunity for me to continue to work with and inspire others to give back to their communities.”
He added: “As a business and community leader proud of his British Bangladeshi heritage, as well of his Islamic faith, I also want to showcase the contribution people from ethnic minority backgrounds have made to this county.”
With over 10 years of experience as a director at the Luton-based Bartham Group, Mostaque is responsible for overseeing the delivery of design, media and print services to a range of businesses and non-profit organisations across the town and the surrounding areas.
He believes that being a good business is indivisible from serving and giving back to the community. With the Bartham Group over many years, he has successfully been able to partner with local causes and projects upon many occasions.
Mostaque grew up in the Bury Park area of Luton, close to the Kenilworth Road stadium of his beloved Luton Town Football Club, where he holds the position of Community Ambassador.
Mostaque founded Community Interest Luton (CIL), a Bedfordshire-based charity. He leads on its various initiatives that seek to better the lives of people in the region.
CIL has helped provide food to those experiencing financial difficulties, and through the efforts of his organisation, there has been a demonstrable impact in reducing unemployment in the town through the LETS Hub project.
Mostaque is perhaps best known for the annual Luton & Bedfordshire Community Awards, which has recognised hundreds of people for their efforts in the region, and in the process, raised many thousands of pounds for charities.
He is a trustee for Level Trust, a charity that works with families in Luton, as well as a long-time supporter of Luton Foodbank.
Mostaque is also a trustee for Squared Housing and Bangladeshi Youth League, and as well as being part of the Bedfordshire Police IAG, he is a past president of the Luton North Rotary Club.
Deputy Lieutenants assist the Lord-Lieutenant and Vice Lord-Lieutenant in their work to support voluntary, community, statutory, civic, armed forces, business and many other aspects of county life which seek to bring kindness, opportunity and cohesion in Bedfordshire.
