A FAMILY enterprise that grew from a single petrol station in Bury in 2001 to become one of Europe’s largest independent forecourt operators was crowned the Asian Business of the Year at the Asian Business Awards on Friday (23).
Brothers Zuber and Mohsin Issa built the Euro Garages business into one of the fastest growing petrol retailers in Britain, and who are now set to expand in the US.
Zuber Issa was among 10 winners on the evening, along with businesswoman Zeenat Noon Harnal and entrepreneurs Shane Thakrar and Joginder Sanger.
They were all recognised for their successes and contribution to the British economy at the annual business awards, which was hosted by the Asian Media Group, publishers of Eastern Eye and Garavi Gujarat newsweeklies.
Lord Tariq Ahmad, a minister at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, was the chief guest on the evening, and unveiled the latest edition of the Asian Rich List, which profiles the top 101 wealth creators of Asian origin in Britain.
Lord Ahmad paid tribute to the Asian community and noted their remarkable achievements in the UK.
AMG group managing director Kalpesh Solanki said: “Our contribution to everyday life is huge.
“We know the value of immigrants and immigration and that society prospers when there is diversity.
“But our value as immigrants will become more apparent as we begin to leave Europe.
“As we move towards the Brexit deadline the government must involve professionals and business people from diverse backgrounds to help build international trade and services with the Commonwealth and countries outside Europe.”
Winners on the night included family and independent businesses, entrepreneurs and a charitable foundation.
Zeenat Noon Harnal was named the Asian Businesswoman of the Year. As managing director of Bombay Halwa, she heads a group that comprises an Indian sweets business and an aviation business supplying ready meals to some of the world’s leading airlines.
Shane Thakrar, chief executive of HKS Retail, a leading petrol retailer, walked away with the Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award, while The Bestway Foundation, part of the Bestway Group, won the Asian Business Award for Philanthropy for their efforts in helping fund the education of underprivileged Asian students as they pursue higher studies in the UK.
Co-founders of the popular restaurant chain, Dishoom, which has five restaurants in London and one in Edinburgh, won the Asian Business Restaurant of the Year Award.
The Food and Drink Business Award went to wholesaler HT Drinks & Co, while Hallmark Care Homes scooped the Asian Business Care Home Business of the Year Award and ICICI Bank won the Asian Business Bank of the Year Award.
Other winners were Sanjay Vadera, founder and CEO of The Fragrance Shop, who was named Entrepreneur of the Year while Joginder Sanger won the Business Personality of the Year Award.
An eight-strong panel of judges, which included Bhanu Choudhrie, executive director of C&C Alpha, Lord Jitesh Gadhia, Salim Janmohamed, managing director of Karali, and Brett Warburton, executive director of Warburtons, chose the winners.
Guests gave generously to Isha Vidhya, a non-profit initiative which provides education for children in rural areas of south India.
BBC presenter Nihal Arthanayake was the compere and guests were entertained by comedian Sindhu Vee and singer Shama.
