Blackburn-born businessman named in King’s Birthday Honours list

The Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council has shared his congratulations to a local businessman who has been named on the King’s Birthday Honours list.

Ram Gupta of Blackburn based IT provider Nybble will receive the British Empire Medal for his services to communities in Lancashire and Greater Manchester.

Councillor Phil Riley commented:

From humble beginnings in Blackburn, Ram is a genuinely decent gentleman who does his hometown proud.

He has always stayed true to his roots and while building his business here, Ram demonstrates social responsibility by supporting local charities and organisations through his business Nybble.

It’s clear that Ram always looks for ways to give back to his local community, and has created a real culture of kindness and charity through his business operations.

We’re proud to have Ram in Blackburn with Darwen as a business leader and philanthropist. On behalf of the Council, it’s my pleasure to congratulate Ram on this well deserved honour.

Born in Blackburn to parents from India, Ram Gupta grew up in the Randall Street area of town, as the youngest of four brothers.

He is a former student of Witton Park High School and Blackburn College, later studying at the University of Central Lancashire, then Lancaster University.

Ram went on to start his IT business Nybble on Darwen Street in Blackburn in 1998. 27 years on, the business is still based in Blackburn, on Glenfield Business Park.  

At Nybble, Ram has demonstrated how businesses can show social responsibility. One example of this is their programme to supply over 1,000 free laptops to children and families in the Blackburn area during the Covid pandemic to help bridge the digital divide and support.

Nybble is now among the businesses that support Blackburn and Darwen Youth Zone as patrons.

Ram was the winner of the prestigious ‘Arte et Labore’ award at the 2022 Hive awards.

In 2024 Ram was named among the UK’s Top 50 Ambitious Business People, a list that recognises the impact of business leaders through creating jobs, promoting social equality and championing sustainability.

Ram is also a member of Blackburn College’s Corporation Board, advising the college where we was once a student.

Ram has completed a list of activities to fundraise for local charities, including a daring skydive for East Lancashire Hospice and taking part in Nightsafe’s annual sleepout.