Unsung heroes to economy

A study by the Institute of Asian Professionals showed that although Asians accounted for 2.5 per cent of the population, they accounted for ten per cent of the UK's economic output.

Chairman Khalid Darr said: "These figures are quite staggering. Many on the Asian Power List we published arrived on these shores without a penny to their name and they have built multi-million pound business empires.

"Entrepreneurship coupled with a wonderful work ethic, fuelled with a desire to better oneself, is a potent force driving the British Asian business community."

Bradford-based Madan Showan, who founded on-line electrical retailer Empire Direct, has been named as one of the country's Top 50 entrepreneurs. Hugely successful Bradford textile companies like Dilbag and Maharajah are paving the way for a new wave of Asian entrepreneurs, according to business leaders.

Zulfi Hussain, former chairman of the Asian Business Development Network and chief executive of Bradford management consultants Global Synergy Solutions, said many Asians were natural entrepreneurs.

"Asian entrepreneurs are often the unsung heroes who make a big contribution locally and nationally," he said. "They provide vital lifeblood to the economy as both providers and consumers of services. In order to sustain growth in the economy we must continue to promote and harness the full potential of all our diverse communities."

Asian Trades Link in Bradford is currently pioneering a West Yorkshire-wide scheme to help Asian women set up or grow their businesses in partnership with the University of Bradford.

ATL's director of operations Ayub Ismail said Bradford was exceptionally entrepreneurial with around a third of West Yorkshire's 9,000 Asian businesses.

"We see success stories every day," he said. "It's almost inbred in the Asian community that people want to excel or exceed.

''I wouldn't be surprised if Bradford doesn't have a higher proportion of entrepreneurs than the national average."