Celebrating Asian business success

The best of Asian success was celebrated at the first English Asian Business Awards which was held this week.

The event recognised the outstanding business achievements of England's Asian communities, according to the organisers.

The EABAs, held at the Midland Hotel in Manchester, not only acknowledged and rewarded Asian men and women at the forefront of their industries, but also raised money for the British Asian Trust.

The Trust, set up by the Prince of Wales, serves as a social fund to support high impact charities within the areas of education, enterprise and health. Since 2009, the British Asian Trust has helped over 350,000 people in South Asia and the UK.

Amongst the winners at the EABAs was Shashi Gossain from Pharmaclinix, who was named Businesswoman of the year. Shashi has over 30 years of experience in the pharmaceutical, skin care and beauty business and has built up Pharmaclinix to be a world leader in advanced cosmeceuticals, with her product available in 25 countries.

Hussein and Faisal Lalani from 99p Stores took the Businessman of the Year title. After taking over from their father the brothers have changed the dynamics of the business and are taking it to the next level.

Tony Deep Wouhra was given the Lifetime Achievement accolade. After arriving in Britain as an 18-year-old with £3 in his pocket, he began his career in business as a door to door salesman before going on to establish the highly successful Asian food company East End, which has now grown to be one of the largest Asian food companies in the UK employing more than 300 people.

Irfan Younis, Director for the event organisers, Oceanic Consulting, said,

“This is the first year we have held these awards and we have certainly set a high standard for ourselves to meet in the years to come."

Dalip Puri, Head of Multicultural Banking for title sponsor HSBC said,

“HSBC is proud to be supporting these awards and it was fantastic to see the achievements of Scotland’s thriving Asian business community being recognised at tonight’s event."

He added,

“At HSBC we’re continuing to see innovative English businesses making strides and we’re well placed to help them realise their potential. I was impressed by the high calibre of nominees and the winners should all be very proud of their personal achievements and the spirit of entrepreneurship they are fuelling in England."