Emigrated to the UK in 1977 from Punjab, India to marry my wife. We have one son and one daughter. Family ethos is key to my wellbeing and success. In 1978, my career in enterprise began with my first business concern, a retail outlet in the east end of Glasgow. Within two years I had added three more outlets.
Over the next number of years, I developed a property portfolio and became a political activist. I believe in social justice and working for the betterment of the community. In 1998, I embarked on a new venture and opened my own quality Indian restaurant, Bombay Blues in Hope Street, Glasgow. To this day, this is still operating and is well known in the city as one of the best Indian restaurants. This business allowed me to use my entrepreneurial, public relations, and marketing skills to develop my businesses.
In March of 2005, I opened my first hotel, Artto Hotel in Hope Street next to Central Station. This is a 51 bedroom hotel in the heart of the city neighbouring the likes of
Grand Central and Radisson Blu Hotel. The whole project from planning, design and implementation was executed solely by my own team of advisors and associates.
This year I acquired the Lorne Hotel in Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow. This is a 102 bedroom hotel with two bars, restaurant and full function suite. At the time of redevelopment I helped with my previous experience and expertise to help facilitate and complete this project. Furthermore, in 2015 we added 26 bedrooms to the
existing operations.
EDUCATION
UNIVERSITY OF PUNJAB, BA ECONOMICS, ENGLISH AND POLITICAL SCIENCE AND HISTORY
SKILLS
I have excellent communication skills toned over the years of experience and the ability to work with people. Strong networking and negotiating skills which have allowed me to develop a database of political and business contacts in both the UK and the Indian sub-continent. I aspire to be a role model to my employees and value the strong relationships that I have with them both individually and collectively as a team through good man management.
Politically, I have been active from my student days in India. That has been in my temperament and blood. I actively help my local community at every point. I believe in people, equality, a fair society and justice.