London City Airport community relations ambassador Aaron Uthman tells reporter Alex Shaw about advice from his late grandfather, the importance of pride of place and changes to the borough.

What’s your connection with the borough?

Newham will always be my home. I have lived, studied and worked across the borough. I am currently employed by London City Airport as the community relations ambassador and also hold the position as the chair of governors at Drew Primary School and a trustee at the Royal Docks Learning and Activity Centre.

What’s the best thing about working or living in the borough?

Through my position as the community relations ambassador I am able to meet and work with a vast array of residents/organisations and support them on local events or initiatives.

Also being part of the regeneration which is happening across the borough is exciting.

What one thing would you change?

Encourage more residents to have a sense of pride of place and to take advantage of the regeneration which brings opportunities directly to them.

Use three words to describe the area.

Historic, diverse, evolving.

Who is the most inspiring person you have ever met?

It would have to be my late grandfather. He did a lot of community work whilst supporting the family. He used to say: “Procrastination is the thief of time; if something needs doing, do it,” which has always stuck with me.

What new law would you introduce if you were the prime minister?

I would introduce a compulsory mentoring scheme for businesses that are participating in regeneration so that young people can have people to aspire to within industries.

If you were the editor of this paper, what issues in the borough would you focus on?

Pride of place, celebrate achievements, and crime.