A benchmark had been set high after the 2006 Scottish Asian Business Awards which was only improved upon with the 2007 awards. The event was held on the 29th November 2007 at the Crowne Plaza in Glasgow and the evening supported undisputed talent, ingenuity and achievement.
The winners of the 2007 Scottish Asian Business Awards were as follows:
Young Achiever of the Year: Umer Ashraf
This gentleman had a great a great deal of entrepreneurial spirit which has stood him well in recent years. Having transformed UA Communications into UA Ventures in 2002 he has since gone onto opening a number of iCafes within Glasgow and surrounding areas.
His knowledge, willingness and determination has successfully honed his skills through an unrelenting work ethic which has turned him into a successful businessman.
Newcomer of the Year: Azhir Sharif
Winning this award was due to Mr Sharif’s business cunning. After purchasing the struggling Trophy Rooms for a £2.5 million deal, he managed to expand product range and productivity to successfully achieve a £1.5 million turnover per annum. This gentleman also owns the newly refurbished Lorne Hotel and the Quiznos Sub sandwich parlour chain.
Unfortunately Azhir Sharif was not able to attend on the evening. Don Ken (pictured) accepted the award on his behalf.
Businessman of the Year: Sanjay Majhu – CEO of Apple Healthcare
Originally from the Restaurant industry, Sanjay Majhu went back to university to study a degree in Pharmacy. Once completed he established Apple Pharmacy Group which operated in Ayrshire but gradually extended to 16 pharmacies throughout Scotland, employing over 100 staff. Apple Healthcare has a current collective turnover of £5.5 million.
This gentleman has also recently purchased Harlequin Restaurants in a £15million deal.
Businesswoman of the Year: Nasreen Aksi
After 7 years of working for the Harlequin restaurant, Nasreen Aksi purchased the struggling Spice of Life chain in which she invested a risky £10,000. This paid off and became the beginning of an impressive portfolio.
In 2004 she took on another Harlequin franchise, the Ashoka West End, and in 2005 was offered the jewel in the Harlequin crown the Ashoka Aston Lane.
Community Award: FRAE, Fife
This is the only organization of its kind. FRAE has been integral in the developing of race equality work in Fife and follows a community development approach and encourages ethnic minority individuals to act collectively, within community groups.
Lifetime Achievement Award: Mohammed Sarwar, MP
This gentleman won the lifetime achievement award due to his decades of involvement in the world of business.
In 2002, Mohammed Sarwar formed the United Wholesale (Scotland) and 5 years later this organisation became the premier league of Cash & Carry’s. Whilst expanding his business, he has maintained an interest in politics and is a respected member of the House of Commons. Mohammed Sarwar led a campaign to save the Govan shipyards in 1999, saving 2000 jobs. He has also played an instrumental role in securing aid and support from the UK government following the South Asian earthquake and is currently the Chair of the Scottish Affairs Select Committee.
Entrepreneur of the Year: Dr Rabinder Buttar
Dr Rabinder Buttar has been a dedicated inspiration to the business world. After graduating with a PhD in Immunology, Dr Buttar established clinical research organisation ClinTec International Ltd. Also a mother of two, Dr Buttar has ensured this businesses growth; today having a major foothold in almost every continent.
At the moment Dr Buttar is currently working with some of her international colleagues to create a global hub in Glasgow.
