Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award (supported by CareTech and Sheikh Holdings): Aly Esmail, director of the SME Group
Having joined his parents in the family business around a decade ago, Aly Esmail has helped make the SME group one of the most successful in its sector.
The group runs a wide range of fast food restaurants, partnering with some of the top franchise names in the world. Under Esmail’s watch, SME has expanded beyond its traditional London base and has now branched out into hotels with Choice Hotels International and InterContinental Hotels.
The company has over 1,000 employees and the Esmail family are well known philanthropists, donating to a number of worthy charities.
Prashant Golecha 
