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SEKHON GROUP OF COMPANIES
Refugees and asylum seekers continue to make headlines, not only in West Yorkshire but in the national press, too. Whether fleeing the war in the Ukraine or other conflicts, Britain is seen as a safe haven.
One local business, the property development company the Sekhon Group - responsible for some of the most prestigious developments in Bradford and West Yorkshire, and run by Iqbal Singh (Simmy) Sekhon and his father Nirmal Singh Sekhon - have a great deal of empathy and understanding for the plight of those forced to flee their homes, leaving behind family, friends and possessions.
Mr Nirmal Singh Sekhon arrive in the UK in 1967 aged 15 years old with just £3 in his pocket and can identify strongly and empathise with people arriving in the UK in similar destressed financial situation.
Now a successful businessman and a prominent community leader, Mr Nirmal Singh Sekhon was awarded the MBE in 1999. Along with his wife, Harmesh Kaur, the couple founded the textile company Nirmal Razai Mart & Co. Building on the success of the original company, they have diversified and grown the company into The Sekhon Group, which specialises in property development under the energetic guidance of their son Iqbal Singh Sekhon, also known as Simmy.
Simmy is proud to retell the family’s rags to riches history.
“It’s amazing to look back on my parents achievements; arriving in Britain with nothing. Their hard work ensured that I had the platform to make the most of my opportunities. And now i'm in the position where I can provide the support so that my children can make the most of their lives, too.
“The benefits which hard-working immigrants have brought to Britain are plain to see, though often not acknowledged.
“For example, the population figures may only be three to five per cent, yet they are contributing between 15 to 17 per cent to the economy, providing much-needed jobs.”
Mr Iqbal Singh Sekhon highlighted the achievements and successes of other immigrants, too, especially those who were expelled from East Africa in the 1960s and 1970s. Prime minster Rishi Sunak’s mother and father came to Britain, having been born Tanzania and Kenya respectively.
With the recent outcry regarding the lack of accommodation for refugees, Mr Iqbal Singh Sekhon added: “The Sekhon Group would be please to help out in assisting and providing emergency accommodation in line with Home Office requirements.”
Mr Iqbal Singh Sekhon believes that a new wave immigration can be of great benefit to Britain, in the same way his father’s generation has proven to be.
“In the 1960s and 70s, when a large number of immigrants were invited by the United Kingdom government to fill the skills and employment shortage, many, like my father, went on to create new companies and businesses and more jobs.
"Just like my father, today's immigrants can make a major contribution to the UK and achieve great things, too."
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