Inspirational News from a Sirolli Institute Project ~ Inspired Futures

Inspirational words of wisdom were the order of the day for budding entrepreneurs and community leaders attending the launch of Inspired Futures, a Bradford-based organisation established that aims to assist young businesses.

Held recently at the Karmand Centre in Barkerend, BD3, the event featured a number of speakers as well as a number of exhibition stands from community and business organisations such as Community Works, BD3 4ALL and Inkopo.

Keynote speeches were delivered by Shabir Hussein, who established the successful Akbar’s restaurant chain over 13 years ago and Sarah Joseph, founder and editor of Emel, the only mainstream Muslim lifestyle magazine.

The proceedings, which attracted over 100 attendees, were opened by Richard Sara-Gray and Lukman Miah of Inspired Futures.

“No one can be a perfect entrepreneur,” explained Richard “and as such we are here to help people build the right team in order to build the right business.

“In Bradford we have some of the most wonderful entrepreneurs around and a real indomitable spirit. It’s upto organisations like Inspired Futures to help these people realise their true potential,” added Richard.

Lukman echoed those words: “Inspired Futures is here to positively influence the local economy and the community at large.”

Shabir Hussein, who founded Akbars aged just 18 and now has restaurants in a number of major cities, explained how he realised his dream: “It’s all about having goals and backing that up with the passion to achieve them.

“When I opened my first small restaurant on Leeds Road in 1995 I had a clear goal of establishing Akbar’s as a well known regional brand within five years and we achieved that. I’m now focused on getting the Akbar’s brand into 15 major UK cities and we are well on the way to realising that,” added Shabir.

Sarah Joseph set up Emel in 2003 and she has since gone on to carve out a visible media profile that has placed her as one of most recognised Muslim businesswomen.

“Every small business is a seed for its local community that will thrive with the right nurturing,” exclaimed Sarah “and will, in time, prove to be very fruitful.

“Everyone of us has skills and talents that should be pursued but the biggest barrier to our success is ourselves.

“I call it the whisperer who is there to put doubts in our mind as to what is and isn’t possible. You have to keep going and believe in what you are doing wholeheartedly,” added Sarah who made a clear distinction between maximising profits and optimizing profits.

“Maximising profits is all about squeezing the last penny out of your venture whereas optimising profits is a more holistic approach that takes into account your own lifestyle, happiness and the needs of the wider community.

“I adhere to the latter and despite all of the demands of running a business and a growing family I still get a great deal of excitement out of putting Emel together,” she said.

Bradford City Councillor Jeanette Sunderland was delighted by the event which also featured the launch of Inside Directions which is aimed at helping women develop their own business ventures.

“This is very much the launch of a new collaborative way of doing business in Bradford that will allow ordinary people to achieve their dreams,” concluded Councillor Sunderland.

For more information about Inspired Futures visit www.inspiredfutures.org.uk or call 01274 666283

Spirit of enterprise wins Tynedale national award

By HELEN COMPSON

13 November 2008

The success of the Tynedale Enterprise Facilitation® Project was acknowledged when it was named one of the runners-up in the national finals of the Enterprising Britain Awards.

The project’s chairman, Gill Burgess, was presented with a trophy by businessman Peter Jones, of BBC2 The Dragon’s Den fame, during the ceremony at 11 Downing Street.

One NorthEast’s head of business, enterprise and skills, Tim Pain, said: “We’re extremely proud of Tynedale – the district has done a great job of showcasing North-East England’s growing enterprising culture. “I have no doubt that communities elsewhere can learn a great deal from its success.”

Tynedale Enterprise Project has helped to either establish or grow around 80 independent businesses since its inception just 18 months ago.

Read more... http://www.hexham-courant.co.uk/news/news_at_a_glance/1.269408