I joined Eastleigh Secondary School in 1963 from Eastleigh Primary School. After completing my Senior Cambridge in 1967, I came to the UK in 1967 and did my 'A' levels at Handsworth Technical College. I joined the University of Birmingham in 1968 and graduated in 1971. Since then, I have been in business, first in Kenya and then in the UK.

I led the business sector as the Vice Chair of the West Midlands Regional Assembly and also chaired the Audit Committee. I was the Deputy Chair of West Midlands Business Council. I chair the N W Skills Academy. I am a member of the Governing Council of University of Birmingham. I am non-executive director of Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospital NHS Trust.

I am a Trustee of Acorns Hospice. I was a member of the Regional Housing Board and the Regional Planning Partnership. I sit on the Advisory Boards of Birmingham Business School and Aston Business School.

I chaired the Single Regeneration Budget Round 6 N W Birmingham, a £40 Million regeneration scheme and guided it to successful completion. I have been a former chair of Asian Business Forum and Institute of Asian Businesses. I was a non-executive Director of Birmingham Chamber of Commerce and the Prime Focus Regeneration Group.

I was awarded an OBE in the 2005 New Year's Honours List for my services to Regeneration. I have been awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Engineering by University of Birmingham and an Honorary Doctorate of Science by Aston University.

- As of May 2012