A management professional with 20 years of experience developing strategies to promote the mission of the organisation and build a strong team of leaders, Mr. Siddharth Balachandran is the Executive Chairman & CEO of Buimerc Corporation Ltd. Dubai. He is an NRI businessman, investor and philanthropist based in Dubai. He has carved out a niche for himself in the corporate world in a very short time and contributed immensely to his home country.
Siddharth was born on June 1, 1976, in Thiruvananthapuram Kerala, India, to R Balachandran and Sabita Varma Balachandran, He completed his initial schooling at the Asan Memorial School in Chennai and later at the Chinmaya Vidyalaya, Ernakulam in Kerala. After completing Civil Engineering at Mysore University, Mr. Balachandran pursued a master’s in international business at P S G Institute of Management, Coimbatore (in collaboration with India Institute of Foreign Trade, New Delhi). He subsequently completed an Advanced Management Program (AMP) from the Indian School of Business, Hyderabad.
Mr. Balachandran, in his individual capacity, has been an active and successful investor for over 20 years and adheres to an investment model that incorporates the value investing method based on in-depth financial analysis. He has acquired a reputation as an astute investor in the Indian financial markets and has enjoyed significant success in building stakes in fundamentally strong and growing companies. Apart from the investments and the operating holding companies in India and Dubai, the investments of Buimerc Corporation Ltd cover strategic equity investments, fixed investment, real estate assets and specific world currencies.
Over the years Buimerc has invested in listed companies In India and select global markets; Startup business through FDI Real Estate enterprises; and subsidiary companies
The company’s primary activities are in three key areas. It identifies businesses that have impact and show sustainability and growth potential. It conducts a detailed, and in-depth, market study and industry research which gives it an insight into the businesses. This in turn helps in their investment, and strategic, decision-making process. It promotes business ventures with strategic and financial planning, and invests in these subsidiary companies, helping them augment their growth.
Buimerc Corporation also enables a continuing focus on contributing to finding solutions to many of the challenges faced by society in the education sector, environment sustainability, minority empowerment programs, and disaster relief in India through the Buimerc India Foundation, the CSR initiative of the group. Buimerc and its businesses believe in uncompromising adherence to the TEST ideals – Transparency, Excellence, Strength and Trust.
A subsidiary, Buimerc Corporation FZE is one of the leading importers and traders of building materials, structural steels, White Wood, Plywood and general hardware items, in the UAE. The rapid development of infrastructure and industry has been central to the success of this operation. The main reasons for its sustained growth are the ability to successfully adapt to new eras and business trends and also the relentless orientation towards customer satisfaction.
The warehouse space of over 25,000 square meters stores a variety of building materials like Stainless Steel Sheets, MDF, Hardboard, American Hardwood, M S Pipes etc in a very efficient manner. Prompt deliveries to customers are made possible through the in-house fleet of heavy vehicles. The team at Construction Material Division in Buimerc Corporation FZE, is an extremely motivated and professional set of talented individuals, who believe in conducting business with utmost integrity and honesty, and whose commitment to quality and efficiency is unparalleled.
Another business under the corporation is Bumga Hardware Trading LLC, which started in the 1970 under the name Bumga Auto Parts, which dealt primarily in automotive parts. In a short period, in order to cater to the growing demands of the market, the company forayed into general hardware and light engineering items to take advantage of the economic boom.
In 1984, the company decided to expand further and thus added ship handling items to its list of products and took a new identity as Bumga Enterprises to reflect the increased products and services offered. In 2017, the company was acquired by Buimerc and was rebranded as Bumga Hardware Trading LLC. The company has a built a name for itself as a reliable company in construction, engineering and shipping industries. BHT is well known in the market for a wide variety of products we deal in, and for our timely service and delivery.
Another subsidiary under Mr. Balachandran’s portfolio is Buimerc Core Investments Pvt Ltd., which is an Indian core investment company, with FIPB approval. The focus of Buimerc Core Investments Private Limited is to contribute to economic empowerment and to society by expanding its business with a well-balanced investment mix in select companies in varied verticals. The internal processes of Buimerc ensures that it chooses only those companies that have a proven track record, ensures corporate governance and maintains professionalism in their activities.
To encourage creativity and youth, Buimerc selectively supports emerging start-ups, who possess exciting and / or innovative initiatives, after extensive due diligence and subject to these companies meeting the stringent norms laid down by Buimerc.
SB Global, another company, was established in 2005 with a view to enhance the employability of the youth. Between then and now, SB Global has emerged as the largest skill development company in Kerala. S B Global Educational Resources P Ltd has built a reputation over the past 17 years, as a catalyst for positive change, particularly amongst women and unemployed youth, whether they are students, job seekers, employees or those pursuing a livelihood for the first time. Launched in 2006, S B Global was the first authorised Training Partner of NSDC in Kerala. It has grown to become a leader in skill development and training, covering a wide cross-section of individuals, institutions, and a range of vocations both in Kerala and other parts of India. Over the years S B Global has also expanded its association with several professional organisations, in an effort to add greater value to those who seek employment.
Sreevaas Roofing Private Limited (SRPL) was started by a core group of professionals to render roofing solutions of the highest quality and the best possible cost-benefit ratio. SRPL commenced commercial production from the Chennai factory in 2010. The second unit was started in 2018 and is currently based in Madurai. Within a short time, the SRPL brand of SRPL became a well-accepted brand in the domestic market for quality and fast delivery. The core products are offered in varying thickness and in a wide range of colours in Galvanized and Galvalume steel. SRPL offers five different profiles for Roof and Wall cladding panels. It also supplies flashings, rainwater and ventilation accessories required for steel buildings of conventional and PEB type.
SRPL roof/wall panels and accessories are made from cold rolled, colour coated Galvanized and Galvalume steel coils in various thicknesses, colours and coatings meeting the IS/ASTM/JIS standards. These products are available in thickness ranges of 0.30 to 0.50 mm. SRPL has enforced a strict quality control system from the time the raw materials reach the factory till the products are loaded on to the trucks for the customers. SRPL has a competent CAD and engineering team and can take up to execution of turnkey projects as required. SRPL has recently entered into the execution of turnkey projects. SRPL has a seasoned marketing team and an excellent network of dealers across the whole of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala.
While wealth creation has been a part of the business growth strategy, Siddharth has been applauded and appreciated for his benevolent philanthropy. He has been supporting a range of causes in the UAE and India – Child and Elder welfare, Environment, Women’s empowerment, Health care, Animal welfare, Art, Culture and Heritage.
Mr. Balachandran is a member of the board of governors of PIOCCI, GCC and a member of the governing board of the Indian Business and Professional Council (IBPC) in Dubai. In 2006, he became the Vice Chairman of India Club, Dubai and its Chairman of in 2010, making him the youngest Chairman in India Club’s history. He is the currently the Chairman of the India Club, in his second term and the Patron Governor of the Indian Social & Cultural Centre, Abu Dhabi. Mr. Balachandran is the patron of Who’s Who of UAE Indians and Who’s Who of UAE Malayalis. He also serves as the Director of Chinmaya International Residential School (CIRS) in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India.
Mr. Balachandran was conferred with the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award (PBSA, 2023) by the President of India Droupadi Murmu, at a grand function in Indore on the 10th of January 2023. He is the only awardee from the GCC region this year and is one of the youngest to ever receive this award. The Pravasi Bharatiya Samman (Overseas Indian Honour/ Award) is the highest Indian Award for Non-Resident Indians and overseas citizens of India or an organisation or institution established and run by Non-Resident Indians or Persons of Indian Origin, constituted by the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, Government of India in conjunction with the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (Non- Resident Indian day), to honor exceptional and meritorious contribution in their chosen field/profession.
In the UAE, Mr. Balachandran has associated with the Indian Consulate, to help families suffering from unemployment during the 2010 financial crisis. He supports many organisations involved in helping Indians in dire needs in the UAE. He is the Patron of Al Jalila Foundation and Smart Life Dubai, a community welfare organisation that focuses on the well-being of blue-collar workers in the UAE, accredited by the Dubai Government. Mr. Balachandran is also the Patron of Dubai KMCC, a social institution based in Dubai and accredited by the Dubai Government.
Mr. Balachandran is also a Patron of “Dubai Autism Centre”, SIF (Science India Form) and the Abu Dhabi Centre for Special Needs. The entrepreneur supports many organisations in the UAE including Al Noor Training Centre for Special Needs, the Rashid Paediatric Centre for Special Needs; and Senses Residential and Day-care for Special Needs. Buimerc India Foundation is the CSR initiative of the group and is based out of India. The conglomerate believes that philanthropy is much more than just a charitable donation and one must respond to the needs of the society and give back unhesitatingly. To give when one has the power to give, is a not just a philosophy, but a discipliner too. Buimerc India Foundation is committed to supporting those who endeavour to improve the quality of life by identifying issues and finding solutions faced by the society. Innovations must address the greater need to solve humanitarian challenges and finding solutions to meet the needs.
Buimerc would consider investments selectively, in relevant projects that create a beneficial impact in those areas that improve the livelihood of the community and the under-privileged.
The foundation focuses on healthcare by meeting medical emergencies for the economically weaker sections – especially children, who are afflicted with seriously debilitating diseases and empowerment of women through- education, skill development, enabling sustainable livelihoods. The foundation also gives importance to the preservation of environment, waste management, sanitation and hygiene. It supports the preservation and promotion of Heritage, Art and Culture, including religious institutions for renovation or improvement of their infrastructure.
In India, Mr. Balachandran is (in his capacity as Trustee – Buimerc India Foundation) the Patron of Navjyoti India Foundation, an NGO that focuses on the rehabilitation of slum children in India; the Patron of the Alpha Palliative Centre, a charitable institution that renders palliative care to the underprivileged segments of society. He is the Chief Patron of “People’s Power Collective.” a trust empowering rural and isolated communities through the development of a Community Radio network in Uttarkhand, a state prone to climatic disasters.
The well-known investor is the Patron of “Jivadhara Institute of Neuro Development and Research, Ernakulum, Kerala, India” – a new medical treatment which is a combination of Chinese-origin acupuncture and Italian origin electro homeopathy for children with Development Delay, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation, Microcephaly, Hydrocephalus, West Syndrome, Autism, Learning Disorder, Behaviour Disorder, Hyperactivity and genetic disorders like Down Syndrome, etc.
Mr. Balachandran is also the Patron of “Sukritham Charitable Trust” a home in Calicut for the less privileged girls, who are the most vulnerable section of society. The residential campus provides a safe living environment with a family atmosphere. The girls are admitted to the various educational institutions in the city to pursue their studies and also ensure their holistic personality development within the Sukritham campus.
His philanthropic activities also extend to animals. He is the Patron of Wildlife SOS, an NGO that leads efforts to rescue, protect and care for aged and wounded elephants in India. At the Elephant Hospital in Mathura, they rescue, treat, and care for elephants that are exploited and abused. The NGO specifically addresses the problem of injured and sick elephants that are forced to work in slums and crowded cities. They seek out and help the elephants that are blind, elderly, wounded, malnourished, and dehydrated or those being used illegally and commercially under deprived conditions. The elephants are provided the best of veterinary care and nursed back to health and allowed to age gracefully.
The businessman is also a patron of Akshaya Trust, Madurai, in Tamil Nadu – a charitable organization formed with the sole purpose of helping the helpless and destitute people suffering on the streets of Madurai, India. The trust rehabilitates the helpless, homeless, sick, elderly, mentally ill by providing healthy food, care, and opportunity to restore human dignity. Akshaya is currently supporting close to 450 elders, both men and women.
He also supports Solace Global, a voluntary organisation that helps with the medical needs of mothers who care for children with critical long-term illness such as Pediatric cancer and more. Today, patients from all over Kerala are being directed to Solace by various medical colleges. Their treatment, both curative and palliative, is serviced by Solace.
Mr. Balachandran also extends support to Operation Eyesight Universal, an international development organisation working to eliminate avoidable blindness (blindness that can either be cured or prevented) in partnership with local hospitals and governments. He is also a Patron of Arike, a not-for-profit NGO that provides professional home-based health care for aging elders. Arike’s support is holistic, person-cantered and confined not just to the patient, but to the family members as well. Arike’s health care service addresses all four aspects of total care: physical, psychological, social, and spiritual.
Mr. Balachandran is married to Sreedevi Eswaran and they have two sons, Shiv Siddharth and Shresht Siddharth.