Medical business named Asian company of year

NHS supplier Morningside Pharmaceuticals has been crowned the region’s top Asian business.

The company supplies pharmaceuticals and medical devices to both the UK and international health industries and focuses on making healthcare affordable.

The Leicestershire-based firm took home the top prize at the fifth annual Asian Business Awards Midlands which were held at Edgbaston stadium in Birmingham last week.

The awards are managed by the Asian Media & Marketing Group (AMG) and the 2017 ceremony was hosted by BBC Asian Network presenter Noreen Khan. Other winners at the ceremony were:

Healthcare Business Award: Jardines (UK)

Restaurant Award: Group

Entrepreneur of the Year Award: Kailash Suri, Reel Cinemas

Community Champion Award: Nishti Ismail, Nishti’s Choice

Manufacturing Award: Clifton Packaging

Businesswoman of the Year: Asha Khemka, principal and chief executive, West Nottinghamshire College

Fast Growth Business Award: HKS Retail Five Rivers

Kalpesh Solanki, group managing editor of AMG, said: “All of the winners showcase the dynamic business leadership and talent in the Midlands.

“The British Asian community is thriving and these awards have celebrated the innovative and forwardthinking Asian businessmen and women in areas such as entrepreneurship, healthcare and manufacturing.”

The night also launched the annual Asian Rich List Midlands which profiles the wealthiest Asians in the wider region.

This year’s list is valued at an estimated £4.7 billion with 2017 seeing the Boparan family – owner of 2 Sisters Food Group – maintaining its valuation at £900 million.

The wealth of Lord Swraj Paul, founder of Caparo, rose from £500 million in 2016 to £800 million despite the company’s troubles in 2015 when it fell into administration.

The list also features three new entries.

Shailesh Solanki, editor of the Asian Rich List, said: “The list once again proves to be one of the most powerful compilations of the region’s most successful business leaders.

“This year’s list shows exceptional growth from both familiar faces and new entries among the Asian community in the Midlands.

“With the impact these businesses have on our economy, we can see a promising future for our business leaders.”

> From left: Kalpesh Solanki, managing editor of Asian Media & Marketing Group; Nish Kotecha, managing director of Morningside Pharmaceuticals; Kashmir Uppal, partner at Shoosmiths and awards judge; and Ramniklal Solanki, editor-in-chief of Asian...