Daily Archives: November 16, 2024

Lord Swraj Paul wins top honour at Asian Business Awards

Hosted by the Asian Media Group, the Asian Business Awards recognise and reward top achievers from the community.

Lord Swraj Paul, who founded Caparo, was recognised with the coveted Asian Business of the Year award.

By:
EasternEye

ONE of Britain’s best-known industrialists scooped the top honour at the annual Asian Business Awards on Friday (15).
Lord Swraj Paul, who founded Caparo, an international business conglomerate producing steel and niche engineering products, was recognised with the coveted Asian Business of the Year award.
The 94-year-old moved to the UK in the 1960s to seek medical treatment for his young daughter, Ambika, but stayed on and set up his business empire, which has now diversified into hotels and property, power and logistics, finance and investment.

Congratulations to The Rt Hon. Lord Swraj Paul of Marylebone, Founder of Caparo, for being named Asian Business of the Year at the Asian Business Awards!
Join us in celebrating his outstanding achievements and the inspiring legacy!#ABA2024 #BusinessExcellence pic.twitter.com/52esEpQPek
— Asian Business Awards (@AsianBizAwards) November 15, 2024
After winning the award, Lord Paul said: “I remember when Mark Tully interviewed me when I first started in Britain. He asked, ‘Lord, how much are you British, and how much are you Indian?’ I said, ‘I am a hundred per cent British and a hundred per cent Indian.’”
Caparo has revenues of $1 billion, with a presence in the US, Canada, the UK, India and the UAE, employing 11,000 people.
“My family and I fought for India’s freedom. My brother and I, along with others, came to our house where I started in 1948. I later built my first factory in Huntingdon, at John Baker’s facility. The second plant I built at that time was opened by the Prince of Wales, who is now the King,” he said.
Lord Paul is also known for his philanthropy, having donated major sums to London Zoo and funding universities in the UK and US.
In total, nine winners were recognised on the night, as the best of British Asian enterprise and success was celebrated at the gala event.
Chief guest Pat McFadden, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Cabinet Office minister, paid tribute to Asian businesses, saying they have grown to be “an economic powerhouse in this country”.
He added: “And some of those business founders came to the UK with next to nothing, built their way up, created wonderful success stories.

“Through sheer graft, and the power of their own ingenuity, they managed to build incredible organisations touching every part of our national life—from food and drink, to pharma and healthcare, to hospitality and retail.
“It’s important that we celebrate the talent and hard work that is present in this room this evening. Tonight is about honouring the best.
“I want to congratulate everyone who wins an award tonight, to thank you for everything you have done, and to look forward to a future where the UK goes from strength to strength.”
Another highlight was the launch of the latest edition of Eastern Eye’s Asian Rich List 2025, a compilation of the 101 wealthiest Asians in the country.
With an estimated wealth of £34.5 billion, the Hinduja family retained their top ranking this year.
Gopichand Hinduja unveiled the glossy publication in front of 700 guests at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge.
Among those who attended were MPs, CEOs, and business and community leaders.
Indian high commissioner Vikram Doraiswami thanked the organisers for the opportunity to launch the Asian Rich List. He spoke about the importance of the bilateral relationship between India and the UK, and said: “The South Asian community here has generated tremendous value over decades.
“The relationship between the UK and India has tremendous potential for further growth. In trade, investment, education, and science and technology, this partnership will be one of the major drivers of progress for the remainder of this century.
“To that end, we at the High Commission congratulate everyone who made it onto this year’s list. For those who didn’t, perhaps channel your inner John Lennon and rattle your jewellery,” he said.
Hosted by the Asian Media Group, publishers of Eastern Eye and Garavi Gujarat news weeklies, the Asian Business Awards recognise and reward top achievers from the community.
Winners included Asian Business CEO of the Year 2024 is Nish Kankiwala, CEO, John Lewis Partnership.

We’re thrilled to announce that Nish Kankiwala, CEO of @JLPJobs, has been awarded CEO of the Year supported by Westcombe Group at the Asian Business Awards!
Join us in celebrating this remarkable achievement!#ABA2024 #AsianBusinessAwards24 pic.twitter.com/NlDPNJ2HBy
— Asian Business Awards (@AsianBizAwards) November 15, 2024
He told the audience: “Technology should enable better human decisions, not replace them. For example, at John Lewis, we collect vast amounts of data about customer behaviour. But sometimes, we forget that we don’t actually know the customer as well as we think.
“The future lies in combining data with human insight. Data science and AI can be enablers and enhancers of decision-making, but they can’t replace human intuition.
“Fail quickly if you’re going to fail—that’s critical. One mistake I’ve made is being too patient with organisational changes. When turning around a business, you need to build capabilities ahead of its current state. If you don’t, you’ll end up with an organisation fit for today but incapable of driving future growth.
“Another lesson is distinguishing between tactics and strategy. Early in my career, I spent too much time on tactical fixes when the real issue was a flawed strategy. Strategy boils down to two questions: where do you want to play, and how do you win? If you get those right and execute them well, businesses tend to thrive,” Kankiwala said.
Valimex Foodservice, which supplies groceries to London’s top hotels and restaurants, was named Asian Business Fast Growth Business of the Year.

Congratulations to Valimex Foodservice for winning Fast Growth Business of the Year at the Asian Business Awards supported by @PrathamUK!Their dedication to innovation and excellence in the foodservice industry is truly inspiring.@ValimexUK#ABA2024 #AsianBusinessAwards24 pic.twitter.com/6OGaD1JPhE
— Asian Business Awards (@AsianBizAwards) November 15, 2024
Under the leadership of directors Viraaj and Raajev Thakrar, Valimex’s fleet of refrigerated vehicles services various sectors, such as healthcare, education and hospitality.
A leading family business in the pharmaceuticals sector, was crowned winner of the Asian Business Next Gen Award. CEO Hatul Shah collected the award for Sigma Pharmaceuticals, the country’s largest independent wholesaler in the pharmacy channel. Its revenues have risen by 30 per cent to £270 million, and the company has also enjoyed an eight-fold rise in profit.

Congratulations to Hatul, Bhavin, Rajiv, and Paras Shah of @sigmaplcuk, for winning the Next Gen of the Year Award supported by the Koolesh Shah Family Foundation at the Asian Business Awards!Here’s to many more successes ahead!#ABA2024 #AsianBusinessAwards24 pic.twitter.com/aGhoLsK6JA
— Asian Business Awards (@AsianBizAwards) November 15, 2024
Mane Kancor, which supplies spices, produces essential oils, natural antioxidants and blends, won the International Business of the Year award.
The Franchise Business was awarded to Lavanya Gamsani, director, Sriram Abhi Limited and her chain of Subway stores.
Femme Fabric Solutions, a feminine hygiene company to end the stigma of period poverty in India and other parts of the world, was named Asian Business Sustainable Business of the Year.
The Asian Business Food and Drink Business of the Year was won by Wanis International Foods, one of the largest specialist food and drink wholesalers in Europe, while Brown & Burk won the Asian Business Healthcare Business of the Year.

We are thrilled to announce that Wanis has been awarded the Food & Drink Business of the Year at the prestigious Asian Business Awards!
Congratulations to the entire Wanis team on this well-deserved recognition!#ABA2024 #BusinessExcellence #Wanis pic.twitter.com/dNjXUbXOuH
— Asian Business Awards (@AsianBizAwards) November 15, 2024
Guests raised funds for Pratham UK.
Aditya Solanki, Chief Operating Officer at Asian Media Group, said: “The Asian business community has always demonstrated unparalleled determination, skill, and a commitment to excellence. Over the past 26 years, we have witnessed the rise of visionary leaders who have not only excelled in their respective fields but have also paved the way for the next generation of entrepreneurs.
“They have not only contributed significantly to the UK’s economy but have also become a driving force in philanthropy, social impact, and community cohesion.
“The Asian Business Awards have served as a platform to recognise and applaud these individuals, and tonight, we continue that tradition.”

Postal strike creates barrier for business, Ruston says

The Canada Post strike, which began on Friday, could create “another barrier to positive revenue and strong margins for local businesses, Brandon Chamber of Commerce president Lois Ruston said.
The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) began a national strike early Friday after failing to reach an agreement with their employer. Both parties are still at the negotiating table and talks continue.
This followed the strike notices from CUPW for about 55,000 urban and RSMC (rural and suburban mail carriers) bargaining units. The dispute, which centres around wage increases, pensions and medical leave, started last year.

Canada Post workers picket outside the Brandon mail processing plant on Douglas Street on Friday. Approximately 55,000 postal workers represented by the Canadian Union of Postal Workers went on strike across Canada. (Tim Smith/The Brandon Sun)

Ruston told the Sun the strike is hitting small and medium-sized businesses at a critical time.
“Many businesses rely on not only letter mail, as part of their marketing and communication processes, but also the movement of packages. Particularly in advance of the holidays, direct mail and marketing campaigns could be cited, as well as the ability for businesses to get raw products required as part of their processes, or to send finished products to their customers,” she said.
“During what is already a busy time, and what seems like yet another business interruption, layered on top of issue after issue throughout and since the pandemic, this could create another barrier to positive revenue and strong margins for local businesses.”
Business owners, she said, may have to turn to other, more expensive modes of transportation and shipping to maintain operations and customer commitments, which could be “another negative, and unanticipated expense.”
Regarding how to navigate the disruption, Ruston said a collaborative approach would work, tasking business owners and managers to reach out to other businesses to determine how they can work together to overcome these barriers, or perhaps find new vendors who can help keep their business operations moving.
“Digitizing communication and processes (even more) may be required, as well as working with financial partners to explore paperless transaction options,” she said in an interview. “The Chamber is always available to businesses who need to be connected with vendors, suppliers or customers and those who are struggling with this most recent work stoppage are encouraged to reach out to our office.”
Cecily Doyle, owner of Blueprint Agencies, a marketing agency serving small- to medium-sized businesses since 1997, told the Sun that halting mail delivery during the critical holiday season jeopardizes cash flow.
“With many small businesses already struggling due to rising costs and lower revenues, business owners are living month-to-month, doing their best to keep their staff and vendors paid to continue business operations,” she said in an email. “This kind of mail interruption could be a death knell for those already struggling.”
Canadian consumers, businesses, and taxpayers, she said, “will all feel the strain,” adding a timely resolution “is in the best interest of all parties.”
The disruptions have also affected Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI), delaying the delivery of critical documents, including driver’s licences, identification cards and cheques, forcing the Crown corporation to seek alternatives.
MPI’s press release issued Friday urged customers to retain their temporary documents and expired licences until permanent replacements arrive.
“If a customer has an urgent need for updated photo identification, they should speak with their broker or an MPI Service Centre representative about their options,” it said. “Customers who don’t receive a statement should keep track of the due date of their insurance and driver’s licence.”
While the immediate impact is concerning, Ruston highlighted broader issues caused by recent labour disruptions in Canada.
“From Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries to MPI, to rail transportation and port services, labour disruptions locally and across the country cost time and money and are a growing concern for our business community,” she said.
“The Chamber has leaned in on this issue with provincial and federal chamber organizations who are advocating all levels of government to address these issues before businesses and citizens are negatively impacted.”
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Bluffton business showcase

Chrissy Lugibihl, manager of Et Cetera Shop, shares information about the Main Street business with several Bluffton University students. Bluffton’s annual business showcase, sponsored by the Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce, provided an opportunity for members to introduce their shops and services to university students. The event was over the lunch hour in Marbeck Center.