TOP TEN ENTREPRENEURS TO WATCH
By Swarupa Tripathy
In the exciting yet challenging world of entrepreneurship, a group of visionary trailblazers have taken the baton forward, striving to introduce innovative concepts and determined to reshape industries and inspire communities. In this article, we shine the spotlight on ten of these remarkable individuals whose achievements, dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence have not only propelled them to the top positions in the business world, but have also ignited a beacon of inspiration for people across the world.
As a prominent chef and television presenter, Nisha Katona is an inspiration to many, especially women in the Asian community.
Recognised for her dynamic presence on screen and her innovative culinary ventures, she has become a notable figure in both the food industry and the British Asian community.
As the founder of Mowgli Street Food restaurants, Katona has brought her passion for authentic Indian cuisine to life. Her restaurants offer a delightful fusion of traditional and contemporary flavours, celebrating the vibrant street food culture of India. Through Mowgli Street Food, she has introduced a new dimension to British dining, emphasising the richness and diversity of Indian culinary traditions.
Additionally, Katona’s commitment to community welfare is evident in her establishment of the Mowgli Trust charity. This organisation reflects her desire to make a positive impact on society. Through various initiatives, the Mowgli Trust strives to improve the lives of individuals and communities, reinforcing her dedication to social responsibility and empathy.
Katona’s achievements are an inspiration to those within her community. She embodies the spirit of cultural fusion, bridging the gap between her Indian heritage and her British identity. Her success as a chef, entrepreneur and television personality resonates with individuals of diverse backgrounds, demonstrating that passion for one’s craft and a deep connection to one’s roots can lead to remarkable achievements.
Sanjay and Ravi Kathuria are a powerful duo in the business world. The brothers are the Directors of the UK based Talash Hotels Group, and stand as a testament to entrepreneurial vision and unwavering passion. With their strong leadership and innovative approach, they have carved a niche for themselves in the British hotel industry.
Under their guidance, the Talash Hotels Group has flourished, emerging as a noteworthy player in the hospitality landscape. Their strategic insights and commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences have been instrumental in shaping the group’s growth and reputation.
In a time where the hospitality sector is oversaturated and continually evolving, the Kathuria brothers have demonstrated adaptability and innovation. Their ability to anticipate trends and tailor their offerings to meet changing preferences of their guests underscores their deep understanding of the industry dynamics.
Their joint pursuit of excellence is evident in the meticulous attention to detail that characterises each one of their hotels. From design aesthetics to service standards, their shared passion for providing top-notch hospitality is reflected in every facet of their properties.
As exceptionally successful leaders within the British Asian community, Sanjay and Ravi Kathuria serve as inspirational figures for aspiring entrepreneurs. Their achievements illustrate the power of hard work and a clear vision. By successfully navigating the challenges of the business world, they have paved the way for others to follow suit and pursue their own dreams of setting up a business.
Suleman Raza MBE is a distinguished British Pakistani food entrepreneur, restaurateur, and activist who has left an indelible mark on the culinary and hospitality landscape in the United Kingdom.
As the founder of Spice Village Restaurants and Grand Sapphire Hotels, Raza’s culinary vision has propelled him to the forefront of the food and hospitality sector.
His efforts to introduce the authentic flavors of Pakistani cuisine to the UK have been instrumental in positioning Spice Village group as a multi-award-winning British Pakistani restaurant chain.
Beyond the culinary experience, his ventures have extended to the realm of high-profile events catering, attracting the attention and patronage of notable personalities from Hollywood and Bollywood. Grand Sapphire Hotels & Banqueting, another brainchild of Raza, has risen to prominence as one of London’s most iconic venues.
The philanthropic work undertaken by Raza has also showcased his compassionate and community-oriented nature. His establishment of the One Million Meals campaign, initiated in March 2020 has provided invaluable support to those in need. This charitable initiative garnered recognition and praise, earning him the Points of Light award from UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson in 2021.
Raza’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of passion, dedication, and community engagement.
Asma Khan, a shining star in both the UK and India’s culinary scenes, stands as a testament to the achievements women can make in any field they feel passionate about. Recognised for her achievements as an award-winning chef, best-selling cookbook author, and the visionary behind London’s renowned Darjeeling Express restaurant, Khan’s journey has been marked by innovation and a commitment to social change.
Among her numerous accomplishments, Asma Khan holds the distinction of being the first British chef to be featured in Netflix’s Emmy-nominated series, ‘Chef’s Table’, where her profile showcased her culinary prowess and cultural heritage. Her restaurant, Darjeeling Express, garnered widespread acclaim, with her all-female kitchen team and dedication to authentic South Asian flavours earning it a place of prominence in London. Khan has also been recognised as one of Vogue’s 25 Most Influential Women and ranked at the top of Business Insider’s “100 Coolest People in Food and Drink.”
In addition to her culinary achievements, Khan plays a significant role in actively advocating for gender equality and supports aspiring women chefs by providing them with opportunities to host supper clubs at her restaurant.
Her dedication to her craft, unique culinary creations, and tireless advocacy for social change have earned her a place of honour in the culinary world and beyond.
Rishi Chowdhury is the CEO and co-founder of Incube Space. He is at the forefront of a movement to revolutionise the way buildings are designed, managed, and utilised. Alongside his co-founder George Johnston, Chowdhury has embarked on a mission to address critical environmental and sustainability challenges through innovative technology and creative solutions.
Incube Space, established in 2020, represents the culmination of Chowdhury’s deep commitment to creating meaningful change. The pioneering approach of the company combines cutting-edge technology and hardware to tackle waste reduction. By enabling real-time optimisation of space and indoor air quality, the company aims to create affordable, sustainable, and healthy environments that benefit both occupants and the planet.
Chowdhury’s journey into sustainable innovation was built upon the foundation of his prior ventures. Notably, he played a pivotal role in developing incubators, accelerators, and innovative programs for startups, showcasing his expertise in creating nurturing entrepreneurial ecosystems.
His knowledge, combined with his forward-thinking attitude and determination, has positioned him as a trailblazer in the field of sustainable technology and business.
Harpreet Kaur achieved a significant milestone by winning the prestigious BBC Apprentice 2022. Born to parents Jas and Pete, who run the Waring Green Stores on Garden Road in Brighouse, Kaur’s journey to success is a testament to her determination, creativity, and business acumen.
In the highly competitive 2022 series of BBC Apprentice, she emerged as the standout candidate, catching the attention of billionaire businessman Lord Alan Sugar. Her remarkable journey saw her navigating through various rounds of challenges, demonstrating her strategic thinking, leadership skills, and ability to thrive under pressure.
Kaur’s winning idea, a dessert business concept, showcased her innovative approach and passion for creating delectable treats. Her pitch for a dessert parlour captured Lord Sugar’s interest and led to her being chosen as his business partner.
Following her victory, Kaur wasted no time in bringing her vision to life. She held a festive launch party in Bradford for her dessert business named ‘Oh So Yum!’ The delectable offerings from Oh So Yum! not only won over Lord Sugar but also began capturing the hearts and taste buds of dessert enthusiasts.
Kaur’s ambitions stretched beyond regional boundaries. She expressed her aspiration for Oh So Yum! to become a nationwide sensation, delighting customers across the UK with her masterful creations.
Kaur’s triumph in winning the BBC Apprentice 2022 and the subsequent success of Oh So Yum! exemplify the power of entrepreneurship, innovation, and the pursuit of one’s dreams.
Reel Cinemas is a chain of multiplex cinemas in the UK founded by businessman Kailash Suri.
Born in Punjab, India, where he completed his bachelors in engineering, Suri came to the UK to study in the early 1980s. His determination to succeed was evident even in his initial experiences, as he supported himself by engaging in seasonal strawberry-picking in Leicestershire. This eventually led him to cultivating Asian herbs for the local Indian community, setting the stage for his entrepreneurial journey.
Suri then entered the world of residential and commercial property investments, demonstrating his knack for identifying opportunities for growth. However, it was in 2001 that he made the decision to acquire a cinema in Loughborough. This marked the beginning of what came to be known as of Reel Cinemas.
Despite challenges and economic uncertainties, Suri’s commitment to his business and the community who went to Reel Cinemas to watch movies remained steadfast. He navigated through multiple financial recessions, prioritising the well-being of his staff and the opportunity to provide entertainment to families and local communities.
The crowning achievement of his journey came in 2022 when he was honoured with the Inspirational Role Model award at the GG2 Leadership & Diversity Awards. This recognition celebrated two decades since Reel Cinemas was first established.
The multiplex brand, under Suri’s sharp leadership, has become a household name and the first preference for many moviegoers today. Suri’s vision for the future is big. He has made elaborate plans for further expansion and growth.
Reel Cinemas is set to unveil new luxury developments, with a focus on delivering exceptional experiences to audiences across the UK. His dedication to providing quality entertainment and bringing the community together continues to guide the brand’s evolution.
Suri’s journey from Punjab to the UK, his entrepreneurial endeavours and his leadership of Reel Cinemas encapsulate a tale of determination and hard work. His story is an inspiring example of how a single individual’s dedication can shape an industry and create a unique success story.
Henna Riaz is the founder of 360 Royalty Audit, and founded the company about a decade ago alongside one of the most notable corporate finance houses in the UK.
Her journey is an example of the transformative power of expertise and entrepreneurial spirit. Her journey from a place of aspiration to becoming a trailblazer in the world of royalty and forensic audit is an inspiring tale of determination and innovation.
With a deep-rooted passion for ensuring fairness and transparency in creative industries, Riaz also helps her clients generate considerable revenue year on year, along with guidance on commercial partnership, content acquisition and collaboration opportunities, delivering additional revenue and growth.
Under her leadership, 360 Royalty Audit swiftly emerged as a key player in the realm of royalty management and auditing. Riaz’s keen insights into the complexities of royalty agreements, licensing, and revenue streams have empowered artists, creators, and businesses to navigate these intricacies with clarity and confidence.
Her commitment to transparency, fairness and education has established a legacy that empowers creators and sets a new benchmark for ethical business practices. She has not only identified a pressing need within an industry but has also transformed that need into a successful enterprise.
Shakeel Shah is the founder of Shaks Specialist Cars and is a driving force behind the transformation of the luxury automobile market. His journey from a modest beginning to establishing one of the most renowned luxury car dealerships is a story worth being told.
With a profound love for automobiles and a keen eye for quality, Shah embarked on a mission to redefine the car buying experience. In a world where luxury and performance are desirable among consumers, he envisioned a dealership that not only offered top-tier vehicles but also provided a personalised, customer-centric approach that would resonate with enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Shaks Specialist Cars has evolved into a hub for luxury vehicles, attracting clientele from across the globe. His commitment to curating an exceptional experience, marked by the some of the finest car models, has positioned the dealership as a benchmark for automotive excellence.
Shah’s journey reflects his ability to navigate challenges and adapt to changing industry landscapes. His foresight allowed the dealership to flourish even in the face of evolving consumer preferences.
His success has garnered widespread admiration and recognition, and his journey from a young enthusiast to a respected industry leader showcases the power of passion and perseverance.
Athif and Asim Sarwar are the Scottish brothers behind Hero Brands. With a shared vision of fostering growth and transformation, they embarked on a mission to establish Hero Brands, to champion and grow innovative concepts across various industries. Their journey began with a deep-rooted desire to offer consumers unique, high-quality products and experiences.
Hero Brands has evolved into a diversified ecosystem consisting of a range of successful ventures, from hospitality and real estate to health and wellness. These include highly profitable businesses like German Doner Kebab, Island Poké and Choppaluna. Athif and Asim Sarwar’s ability to identify and capitalise on emerging trends has allowed them to stay at the forefront of innovation, providing customers with exceptional offerings that cater to evolving preferences.
The impact of their contributions is evident not only through their ventures but also in the communities they touch. By creating employment opportunities, supporting local communities and embracing a commitment to quality and integrity, they have created a legacy that goes beyond business triumphs.
The Sarwar brothers’ roles as the founders of Hero Brands showcases two individuals who are driven by a passion for innovation, community and positive change. Their ability to shape industries and create value has left a lasting legacy of progress and transformation.
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