THE Ickenham nominee at the prestigious GG2 Leadership and Diversity Awards held last night (Tuesday) scooped a top prize.
Surinder Arora, 50, from Ickenham, who started off running a bed and breakfast in 1993 and now owns a chain of international hotels was named 'Entrepreneur of the Year'.
He owns the Arora Hotel near Heathrow, but began his working life working for British Airways, when he saw the chance to do something different.
The awards, dubbed the 'ethnic oscars', were attended by actors, celebrities, an politicians, including former prime minister Tony Blair.
The winners were chosen by a panel of estemmed judges, headed up by Barry Gardiner MP for Brent North.
Kalpesh Solanki, group managing director of the Asian media and marketing group behind the awards, said: "The award winners are an inspiration to us all. Their achievements are hugely commendable and provide a spur to others.
"The GG2 Leadership & Diversity Awards show how far Britain has come. They also reflect the huge talent contained within Britain's ethnic communities and should serve as a powerful reminder to many organisations that they cannot afford to overlook ethnic talent and ability.
"We are all richer from a more equal and diverse country – these awards prove that."
