LEADING British Asian businessman Dr Rami Ranger CBE was conferred an honorary doctorate from the University of West London at their annual graduation ceremony last Thursday (21).
Dr Ranger was honoured in recognition of his services to business, philanthropy and promotion of social cohesion in Britain. The doctorate was conferred upon him by the chancellor Laurence Geller CBE and vice-chancellor, professor Peter John.
Dr Ranger set up Sun Mark, which has the distinction of winning five consecutive Queen’s Awards for Enterprise in International Trade.
His companies have revenues in excess of £200 million and employ over 100 people.
The citation was read by the director of development and alumni relations, Luna Sidhu. It said: “Mr Raminder Ranger CBE, known to all as Rami, is a man who has defied great odds to achieve outstanding success in business and beyond. Rami’s life began in a refugee camp in newly-partitioned India.
“Born in July 1947 in Gujranwala, Pakistan, Rami came to the UK in search of a ‘better life’. He found work as a chef in KFC but soon his work ethic and commitment got noticed and he began to rise quickly through the ranks to become district manager for the chain.
“His entrepreneurial spirit led him to start his own freight forwarding business from a shed in Hayes with just £2 of capital.”
Dr Ranger has been conferred with several awards including the Institute of Export (IOE) Award 2013, Institute of Directors Award in 2014 and a Lifetime Achievement award by the Family Business Place.
“Alongside building a successful business, Rami has never shied from giving back to his community and his adopted country. Following the 7/7 bombings, he set up an inter-faith forum to build bridges between different communities,” the citation said.
In his acceptance speech, Dr Ranger shared his experience with the university graduates and paid tribute to his mother who taught him the five principles around which all of his activities revolve: self-respect, good work ethics, commitment, vision and empathy for others.
He urged all those present to implement these in their daily lives and they would hold all in good stead throughout their lives.
Kulsuma Aktergetty images