Serial Entrepreneur James Caan who recently joined as Chairman of The Big Issue magazine has just returned from Pakistan, where he is establishing The Big Issue in the country of his birth. He is also assisting with the launch in India.

Caan, CEO of private equity firm Hamilton Bradshaw, has been building and selling businesses since 1985 and joined magazine with the aim of increasing the publication’s online presence with a range of initiatives to help bring it into the digital age and improve revenue.

“It doesn’t matter what language you speak or what culture you’re from - a desire to earn a legitimate living and integrate back into mainstream society is something that is universally felt,” said Caan.

“The Big Issue embodies my firm belief that we all need a helping hand sometimes.

“I identify with building something from nothing and the organisations principle of giving a hand up, rather than a hand out, resonates with me on many levels.”

Currently the magazine circulates over 147,000 copies a week nationally and last year put over £8 million into the pockets of vendors.

Vendors buy the magazine for 75p and sell it on for £1.50, keeping 75p for themselves. Currently the magazine circulates over 147,000 copies a week nationally and last year put over £8 million into the pockets of vendors.

Recognised by UK households as a panel member on BBC’s Dragon Den since October 2007, James has invested over £500,000 during the course of the show.

James CEO of private equity firm Hamilton Bradshaw and has been building and selling businesses since 1985 commented:

Speaking about Caan’s appointment John Bird, The Big Issue’s Founder and Editor-in-Chief said: “James is one of UK business’ leading lights so I have no doubt that he’ll be a fantastic addition to our board.”

Known as a serial entrepreneur, James also established the James Caan Foundation in 2006, through which he has built a primary school in Lahore in Pakistan and has further plans to build more schools.