ASIAN BUSINESS AWARDS 2002
(19th March 2002)

The Prince of Wales presented the Eastern Eye Young Achiever Award to a British Asian businessman who began his career selling fish at the age of 18 while studying for his A'levels. Shelim Hussain now aged 29, has a workforce of 200 staff in his food processing plants in Newport, South Wales and Croydon.

Young Achiever of the Year

Shelim Hussain started in business at 18 while working as a part time waiter when he was still at college studying for his 'A' levels. He saw an opportunity when the local supplier of frozen seafood closed his business. Shelim, together with a friend, took on the deliveries at night, while continuing with their education during the day.

Two years later in 1993 he had formed Eurofoods (UK) and the company has grown rapidly since, almost doubling in size each year. Shelim, now 29, employs 200 staff and has food processing units in Newport, South Wales and in Croydon. He is also building a new plant in Bangladesh and has started a subsidiary in New York.

Shelim's company has revenues approaching £40m and he has also invested in a property development business in Wales.

Business of the Year

Vijay and Bhikhu Patel arrived in Britain from Kenya as teenagers with nothing more than some pocket money. They now control a formidable business in the pharmaceutical industry, with a current valuation of around £290m.

Theirs is a classic 'rags to riches' story, starting in Kenya where they struggled to survive after their father died. In 1967 they arrived in Britain and Vijay, studied at night school and university and trained as a pharmacist, opening his first shop with a loan from an uncle. His brother Bhikhu, joined him in expanding the business to 15 shops. In 1984 the brothers founded Waymade Healthcare, based in Basildon, Essex, and started supplying prescription medicines to pharmacies across the UK.

The brothers launched their own brand of medicines under the name of Sovereign by buying unwanted drugs from the multinationals and marketing them directly to retailers.

The business has flourished, with current revenues possibly approaching £200m and the brothers have invested in commercial and residential property.

Last year the Patels won a major accolade when they were named UK Entrepreneurs of the Year by Ernst & Young. The judges said: "It is an inspirational story from humble beginnings; they are role models for future entrepreneurs."

Entrepreneur of the Year

Reuben Singh is one of Britain's most successful young entrepreneurs. Still only 25, he has already created and sold several successful businesses. Reuben started at 18 and by 22, had established the nationwide chain of Miss Attitude fashion stores, which he sold in 1998. The following year he was back in business with alldaypa.com, a 24-hour secretarial service aimed at small businesses and individuals.

The business has expanded rapidly and has plans to employ 1000 people in a communication centre employing PAs and secretaries. Like most successful entrepreneurs, Reuben is involved in a string of other enterprises. His Reuben Singh Group of Companies trades in property, currency, venture capital and construction. His venture capital fund 'Dream on Attitude' supports start-up ideas from young entrepreneurs by providing £50,000 for each project.

Newcomer of the Year

Karl Sandhu, 35, has carved out a niche in a business full of stiff competition from some big players. He opened his first health and fitness club four years ago when he bought a derelict building in West London and converted it into an upmarket club. His company, Vistastar Leisure is now developing its third club in Harrow with an investment of £8m.

Karl has taken on some big names in the fast growing leisure sector because he believes he can deliver better customer service.

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