Businessman of the Year runners up

SURINDER ARORA
CEO, ARORA INTERNATIONAL HOTELS

Surinder Arora is a worthy winner in his own right. He came to England from India at the age of thirteen. A turbulent childhood saw him being given away by his mother to her sister as she could not afford to raise him. At thirteen, Surinder’s mother sent for him from England at which point he was uprooted from all he knew and placed into an alien world where he did not know the language, people or culture.

For his first few months in England, Surinder was in a reception class learning English with foreign students, after which he “struggled through” his O’Levels. In 1993, after spending time working three jobs, Surinder bought a few houses near Heathrow, which he later turned into a B&B for airport customers. He then bought some of the adjoining properties and expanded, realising that there was a niche market catering to the British Airways crew who were staying in a few different hotels around Heathrow.

His property happened to be right opposite their crew centre so he approached British Airways and asked if they would be interested in a purpose-built crew hotel. They said yes and from then, things have gone from strength to strength. Surinder now heads up a group of 14 hotels, including the Renaissance at Heathrow where he used to work as a wine waiter in the early days.
Arora International has recently won a bid to build the only hotel at Terminal Five which Surinder says is one of his biggest achievements yet. He looks forward to “exciting times ahead”.

Businesswoman of the Year Runners Up

We all harbour stereotypes about accountants; we picture them as solemn, staid individuals, inaccessible behind a veneer of decorum. It is easy to expect this stereotype when meeting Zarin Patel, Group Finance Director of the BBC. After all, she is the guardian of the BBC’s £4 billion purse strings – how much more serious does it get?

The reality, however, is entirely different. Despite her spectacles and smart suit – both staples of the quintessential accountant – we found Zarin to be a warm, fun and entirely approachable individual.

Having joined the BBC in 1998 as Group Financial Controller after 15 years at KPMG, Zarin quickly climbed the ranks and was promoted to the position of Group Finance Director in 2004, and has been named as the 12th most powerful Asian in British media by The Guardian newspaper.

As the first female finance director and the first Asian woman to be appointed to such a senior management role at the BBC, Zarin knows a thing or two about breaking barriers. Surprisingly though, she says she faced little discrimination on her journey, claiming that rather than ethnicity or gender, “It is the person you are, your personality, the work you do, how you interact with your colleagues, how you lead people that determines you.”
Zarin also confided, rather sheepishly, that she believes in love at first sight and owns about 76 pairs of shoes. So definitely not your typical accountant.

Lopa Patel is the Founder of Redhotcurry.com, one of Britain’s leading South Asian lifestyle and shopping portals. As the editor for the portal, Lopa has a very hands-on approach to every aspect of the site. The site, she says, features articles on race, entertainment, religion, food and popular culture aimed at people like her.

Despite facing some criticism for catering solely to the South Asian market, Lopa refuses to change. She tells us that the portal has her personality “stamped all over it,” which is exactly what makes it unique.

The award-winning site, launched in November 2001, currently attracts approximately 40,000 unique visitors and three million hits each month. This kind of achievement never comes easy, as Lopa knows too well.

She tells us: “I can work all day, all night and not notice. I have done that in the past; worked till two or three in the morning and then suddenly realise it’s three in the morning and I still have to get up in the morning at seven”.

Lopa’s position at the helm of Redhotcurry has won her several awards including an Asian Jewel Award in 2005. With her determination, drive and ability, we suspect the accolades will keep on coming.

When presented with Parm Sandhu’s petite frame, it is difficult to believe that she is the Metropolitan Police’s highest ranking female Asian officer. You are immediately inclined to question why she would put herself in dangerous situations when she is so much smaller than your average assailant.

It is when she starts to speak that you begin to understand exactly how she has climbed the ranks so quickly. She has an intelligence and determination that far surpasses physical strength. When asked if she ever felt intimidated on the streets, Parm laughs and admits, “All the time. Everybody’s bigger than me!”

She goes on to say that, “Size doesn’t matter because you’ve got to have a brain in your head and a tongue that you can speak with. If I had to wrestle everybody that I met in the street, I would lose, but I’ve learnt that I’ve got to be able to speak to, manage and influence people so that situation doesn’t arise.”

She does indeed have a calming quality about her; a quiet dignity that puts one at ease. It is perhaps for this reason that Parm is constantly asked to give talks and attend award nights at local schools – both of which she does with passion and gusto.

Parm values her status as a role model: “I’ve been through so many obstacles but I’ve remained a fighter. I’ve got to quite a senior rank and I‘m thinking of the people who are following me. I’ve got a duty to try and make it easier for the person following me. That to me is really really important.” She has most certainly paved the way for generations to come.

Ivan and Charika Corea launched the Autism Awareness Campaign UK in 2000 in response to an autism diagnosis ascribed to their son, Charin. The group campaigns for autism where they believe there is a shortfall in public-service provision – in education, health, specialist speech therapy and respite care.

The campaign successfully initiated 2002 as Autism Awareness Year, which was supported by eight hundred organisations including the British Institute of Brain Injured Children, The Disabilities Trust, the National Autistic Society and a whole host of charities and organisations.

Lord Coe appointed Ivan Corea as a London 2012 Olympic bid Ambassador. The Coreas were shortlisted for the Beacon Prize in 2006 and 2004 for their philanthropic achievements, and received the Beacon Highly Commended Award Certificate for Leadership.

Early this year Ivan met with Tony Blair at the House of Commons to present the Autism Report calling for a national strategy on autism and a 10-year plan of action in the UK.

Parents of an autistic child have to make many sacrifices says Ivan Corea: “You miss out on a lot of things. You miss out on a social life. You miss out on company,” but of course he says the joys of parenthood make it all worth it.

Any Asian fashionista worth her salt will be familiar with the name Imani. Drawing together inspiration from several different sources, Imani is one of the most well-known and respected names in the world of Asian fashion.

As a designer studio, Imani stocks designs from several different designers under one roof, giving customers access to some of the finest fashion in the UK.

As a major authority on Asian fashion, Farrah Asi of Imani says, “Asian fashion is definitely here to stay”. She has a deep-felt belief in the power of Asian fashion to make women of all shapes and sizes look good and feel good about themselves.

Asked for the best thing about their job, Sultan and Farrah agree that it’s dressing a bride and seeing such happiness and pride result from one of their creations.

Asif Malik’s foray into the fashion world came about purely by chance after he and his brother, having arrived in Italy from their native India, took over the management of a small Italian fashion store. Subsequent success led Asif to relocate to the UK where he decided to open his own Asian fashion house in Birmingham under the name Sache – a small allusion to its Italian roots.

Drawing inspiration from both Italian and Indian design, Sache endeavored to create a fusion of style that is both traditional and innovative. Their pieces are modern and cutting-edge but also considerate of the customs and traditions of their customer base.

Asif tells us that some customers do not like to wear sleeveless or short tops so their outfits must strike a balance. It is this respect for customers, combined with a great eye for trends that has made Sache one of the most successful fashion houses in the UK today.

For a man who embarked on this path by chance, Asif is extremely passionate about what he does. He tells us that whenever he sees an outfit, he immediately thinks about ways to improve it and add to it. He truly believes in the power of fashion and says that the best part of his job is that he gets to “make women happy”.

Entrepreneur of the Year runners up

Many second generation British-Asians will have seen the extreme poverty prevalent in the villages of South-Asia first-hand. Many of us will have empathised and sympathised with the plight of the people affected by these problems. Most of us will come back to Britain and let the experience seep outof our consciousnesses, before continuing on with our daily lives.

For some, however, forgetting is not so easy. Some will resolve to make a difference and back this resolution with action. Sital Punja, founder of Sari UK, is one such person. During a trip to India, whilst handing out silk saris to the poor, Sital started to question the value of old clothes to the community. Instead, she wanted to provide them with monetary and logistical support.

Sital formed Sari UK, which recycles old saris into couture fashion items, with profits being pumped into several charities and developing communities. With a mere £500 worth of capital, Sari has now grown to one of the UK’s premier ethical fashion brands, and has donated over £65,000 to charity.

Having won the Fortis Bank Community Award and the Edge Upstarts Award for Social Entrepreneur of the Year, Sital Upstarts Award for Social Entrepreneur of the Year, Sital a personal level but are also good for the community: “It can show that you don’t have to make millions to win awards – we can win awards by thinking about how we work or thinking can win awards by thinking about how we work or thinking

Arjo Ghosh is founder and Chief Executive of Spannerworks. He formed the company in 1997, initially to provide innovative technical solutions for websites. He quickly realised that the phenomenal growth of the internet would lead to search becoming the natural gateway for consumers.

So a year after Spannerworks’ inception, and prior Google’s rise to prominence, Arjo used his company’s technical strength to develop search marketing strategies for major brands including GSK, HBOS, Virgin, Woolworths and Standard Life.

This year, Spannerworks was acquired by ICrossing and the company announced ambitious plans to conquer Europe. Recently, the company has won the Revolution Award for search success for kiddiecare.com.

Asked about the secret to success, Arjo says you have to be really focused. Staying loyal and looking after people are also very important. He tells us: “Concentrate on your people. Look after your people. In business, if you don’t look after your people, you won’t be successful.”

Excellence in Entertainment Runners Up

Meera Syal really needs no introduction. As writer of Bhaji on the Beach and one of the stars of Goodness Gracious Me she has garnered critical acclaim from all quarters. Named as a pioneer by our winner, Ameet Chana, Meera would have been the gambling man’s safe bet for winning this category.

However, as Meera is already one of the most established actresses of our time, the judges wanted to showcase an entertainer that needed a bigger springboard. It is Meera’s unique brand of humour, dedication and hard work has propelled her to one of the world’s most recognised Asian faces.

With a 15-year-old daughter and a 15-month-old son, the actress, writer and comedienne juggles her career with her roles as mother and wife. When asked how she maintains a work-life balance, Meera points to the bags under her eyes and asks, “You seen these? No amount of makeup can hide these! This is the working mother’s legacy.” She goes on to cite good organisation and a strong support system as the key factors in balancing family with career.

Despite enjoying huge success in both arenas, Meera refuses to rest on her laurels. She tells us that, “You’re only as good as your last job. It is a very competitive business and you have to continually keep challenging yourself and reinventing yourself.” Recently seen in Rafta Rafta at the National Theatre, Meera says, “The minute you feel complacent or you think because I’ve got an award I don’t have to try anymore, then you’re going to lose what you have.”

With her rich talent and humble attitude, we can’t see any danger of that happening any time soon.

Nitin Ganatra has demonstrated a flair for character acting since he took up the profession over 10 years ago. Now 39 years, the talented actor has played both comedic and the proverbial ‘straight’ roles with equal zest. Most will remember his performance as the hilariously clumsy but well meaning Mr Kohli (from ‘Umrica’) in Bride & Prejudice

The movie received much attention as it was directed by Gurinder Chadha (Bend It Like Beckham fame) and starred Bollywood’s IT girl Aishwarya Rai. In an interview at the time of the film’s release Nitin spoke candidly about Ash, saying that he wasn’t fazed by her star status or her stunning looks, and that the pair shared a good rapport on set. The Nitin-Ash pairing teamed up again in 2005 for The Mistress of Spices. Nitin gives a sterling performance as taxi-driver Haroun Rehman.

Moving onto more mainstream projects, Nitin starred as Prince Pondicherry in the 2005 remake of Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory opposite Hollywood actor Johnny Depp, and he will shortly be seen in new big budget film The Hunting Party, starring Richard Gere.

However, it is since joining the cast of Eastenders as Masood Ahmed – Albert Square’s new postman – that he has set tongues wagging. Cue the soap’s latest attempt to introduce an Asian family into the programme. Will it work? Nitin is positive: “I think Masood is a character that has many levels and will let me explore different shades rather than just a general bland representation of ‘Asian’. He’s funny and witty but there is a secret side to him that is assessing situations and keeping a protective eye on his family. He is a bit of a dark horse.”

Young Achiever of the Year Runners up

Wersha Bharadwa is the first woman of a British Indian background to have worked as a features writer for Cosmopolitan magazine. Now a freelance writer, editors of national magazines and papers regularly call upon her for her witty, hard-hitting, sometimes wacky and yet informative style of journalism.

Wersha is of the generation of new young Asian women unafraid to write and speak out about the issues they face, campaigning for causes and freedoms affecting 21st century women. She is known for her fearless, fun, and on-target features. Women’s rights and issues remain at the forefront of her passions and she is making significant contributions within the mainstream media to demonstrate that.

She is one of a handful of young British-Asian women writing for publications such as The Guardian and The Independentand has become a well-known and respected young voice and writer in the industry.

Wersha regularly gives advice and commentaries for radio and television, including BBC radio WM and BBC Asian Network, and has been interviewed by Richard and Judy. If all that wasn’t enough, Wersha also guest lectures at the University of Central England in Birmingham and is currently penning her first novel.

Arti Poddar is the Operations Director of Lambhill Court Ltd, a Glasgow-based care home group, founded by her family with the aim of providing the finest possible care facilities. The group employs approximately 250 staff, caters for approximately 250 clients, and has a £10 million Independent Living Community Project in the pipeline.

Earlier this year Arti invested in Aastha Broadcasting (UK) Ltd, part of Aastha International, which is a leading socio-spiritual faith channel attracting 200 million viewers worldwide every day. She has taken a keen personal interest in local programme production, and has a number of projects in the production pipeline.

They include items designed to awaken interest among youth in Indian culture and tradition and programmes about the Indian community outside India for a wider international audience.

Additionally, she set up a company, ‘Nature & Herbs UK Ltd’ that imports and distributes health-related products throughout UK and Europe.

She is thoroughly committed to the promotion of good health through yoga in the UK and this year was a key organiser of Scotland’s largest-ever yoga health workshop, staged over six days at Glasgow’s SECC attracting over 2,000 participants on a daily basis.