New book on rise of Asian entrepreneurs in UK

A new book by an Indian-origin academic charts the rise of British Asian entrepreneurs, many of whom arrived here with a few pounds in their pockets and went on to set up business empires.

The book, titled "Making A Fortune: Learning From the Asian Phenomenon", is written by Spinder Dhaliwal, a lecturer in Entrepreneurship at the University of Surrey.

Dhaliwal, whose father arrived here from Punjab in the 1960s, writes that Asian companies are at the cutting edge of the British entrepreneurial community.

Asians are involved in various fields, including manufacturing, entertainment, fashion, hotels, property, food and pharmaceuticals.

Dhaliwal writes: "So how did it all start? The first generation Asians arrived in the UK in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The Asian entrepreneur was held up as a role model highlighting the 'rags to riches' story.

"They transformed the UK from an eight hour working day to 24 hours seven days a week. Indian cuisine and restaurants became a key part of the British lifestyle and are responsible for the success of many Asian enterprises."

Her book details the rise of well known entrepreneurs such as Mumbai-born Ghulam Noon and Karan Bilimoria, but also others who are less known than their companies, such as Dinesh Dhamija (ebookers.Com), Kartar lalwani (Vitabiotics).