The 23rd annual Asian Business Awards, which honours outstanding business leaders in the UK, took place on Friday 19th November 2021 at the capital’s newest 5-star hotel The Londoner Hotel. The event celebrated exceptional Asian entrepreneurs and businesses, which have led their respective industries and made a significant impact, particularly during the Coronavirus pandemic.

The event, hosted by BBC Radio 5Live’s Nihal Arthanayake, celebrated legacy and continuity amongst the Asian business community and paid a poignant tribute to the late Ramniklal Solanki CBE, founder of Asian Media Group (AMG), which hosts the awards and the Asian Rich List.

The Asian Business Awards once again launched the year’s Asian Rich List, which profiles the 101 wealthiest Asians in Britain. The compilation is the definitive and most authoritative guide to Asian wealth in Britain and remains a window to the substantial economic achievements of the community.

The pioneering Hinduja family topped the Asian Rich List for the 7th consecutive year, with an estimated £2.5bn increase in their wealth over the last year. Gopichand Hinduja, co-chairman of the Hinduja Group, attended the event and marked the launch of this year’s Asian Rich List with inspiring words on the importance of giving back to the community. The Hinduja Group’s Westminster Development Services also won the Restoration of the Year award for their work with the Old War Office building in Whitehall.

The Asian Business Awards once again highlighted the incredible contribution of Asian-owned businesses during a year which has adversely impacted businesses all over the country.

In his programme message, Minister for Small Business Paul Scully MP recognised the incredible impact of Asian businesses. “I would like to acknowledge the challenging business conditions that Asian businesses have endured over the last year because of the Covid-19 pandemic. The resilience shown by these businesses throughout this period is worth celebrating. This event is a valuable opportunity to showcase and celebrate the achievements of Asian businesses over the past year and I want to pass on my warmest congratulations to all the nominees and winners of the 2021 awards.”

Winners on the night included Bestway Group, honoured with the Asian Business of the Year award, Westcombe Group, who were named Property Developer of the Year and Nish Kankiwala, CEO of Hovis, who was named CEO of the Year.

Kalpesh R Solanki, Group Managing Editor of AMG, commented: “The Asian Business Awards remains the biggest celebration of Asian business success in the country. Over the last year, the Asian business community has had to adapt during the pandemic and this year’s awards celebrates incredible achievements during an unpredictable period. The Asian Business Awards celebrates the success of exceptional Asian entrepreneurs by providing the recognition that highlights unsung heroes and this year’s event has truly honoured some of the best businesses in our country.”

Shailesh R Solanki, Executive Editor of AMG, added: “The Asian Rich List is the barometer of Asian wealth in Britain and our analysis shows the true resilience of Asian entrepreneurs despite the enormous pressures caused by the pandemic and Brexit. Asian entrepreneurs have enriched Britain in all aspects of the nation’s life. They have helped create an enterprise Britain and we salute the entrepreneurs on the Asian Rich List for their ingenuity, drive, energy and passion that are the hallmarks of the Asian business community.’