He runs one of the region’s most high-profile property development companies. We caught up with Bradford businessman and former Entrepreneur of the Year, Simmy Sekhon, CEO of the Sekhon Group, to find out how he became the success he is today, what gets him out of bed in the morning and any advice he would like to pass on to the next generation of local entrepreneurs.

The foundations of the Sekhon Group were established by Simmy’s parents in the early 1970s, in the basement of the family home on Lumb Lane, Bradford, manufacturing duvets.

“The business commenced as a textile company,” explains Simmy, “operated by my father, Mr Nirmal Singh, and my mother, Harmesh Kaur.

“They started with humble beginnings first, making between four and five duvets per day. They calculated that if they made £3 profit from each one, then they could make up to £15 profit per day and £95 per week.”

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Simmy with his 'inspiration' his father Nirmal Singh MBESimmy with his 'inspiration' his father Nirmal Singh MBE (Image: Sekhon Group)

Through hard work, dedication, sweat, and tears over a period of time, the business grew, and they could afford for both Simmy and his brother, Narinder Sekhon,(now a barrister) to attend private schools at Brontehouse, Woodhouse Grove School and Bradford Grammar School.

The brothers attended the University of Huddersfield to study law, and subsequently Simmy went on to specialise in property lawyer.

What excites you about what you do?

“I very quickly learned that developing properties was far more interesting and financially rewarding than simply purchasing properties for investment, “ said Simmy.

“My passion is turning empty spaces into viable useful resources, which provide accommodation to families throughout West Yorkshire.

“I love it when a building is completed, and we can put our signature name to the finished product.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: 'My passion is turning empty spaces into viable useful resources' - Simmy Sekhon'My passion is turning empty spaces into viable useful resources' - Simmy Sekhon (Image: Sekhon Group)

What advice would you give to someone wishing to join your industry?

“I would advise for anyone wishing to join the property industry to start with an organisation involved the letting side of the business, the construction side of the business and experience the professional side, including legal and architecture, and to learn the basics, progressing upwards. This is what I would like my son Karam Singh to do, and my daughters, if they, so please, Sienna and Kareena Sekhon.

“I always wanted to be a businessman, and whilst my parents wanted me to have a career in medicine; I always maintained my vision to get into business and selected a route through law, and then diversify.”

What makes a good boss?

“Trying to remain calm in every situation, listening to both sides of the story before making a judgement. At the end of the day, I enjoy the company of the Sekhon Group staff we enjoy a cup of tea and we chat through the good and bad of the day and how we could improve.

“That makes me feel relaxed before I go home to my family in the evening where I enjoy a lovely, cooked meal and relax with a glass of wine.

“My father, Nirmal Singh MBE, is my idol because he has taught me everything that I need to know to progress in life and with the assistance of universal forces and my father’s good teaching from a very early age; I have felt very positive in everything that I have done.”