Sukhi Ghuman

Sukhi Ghuman (born 23 November 1977) is an Asian entrepreneur in the United Kingdom.

In 2003, Ghuman started the security business, Octavian, of which he is now CEO, and became the first security firm to employ ex-Ghurkas.

Biography

Sukhi was born and raised in inner city Leicester, England. Coming from a traditional Sikh family, Sukhi credits his success to The Grit and determination he acquired from his grandmother.

Having suffered with financial issues as a family, Sukhi forged a firm work ethic from the early age of 13, and it has been his passion ever since.

Early career

Having graduated from Nottingham Trent University with LLB Honours in 1999, Sukhi completed The Legal Practice Course at De Montfort University and began his career as a Trainee Lawyer with regional firm, Brethertons Solicitors.

After qualifying as a lawyer, he then moved to City Law Firm, Nabarro Nathanson, where he handled major corporate accounts.

Formation of Octavian

Ultimately, working for an organisation did not provide the job satisfaction that Sukhi yearned for. His big break came in 2003, when he spotted the opportunity to form a security company, Octavian.

In 2010, Sukhi forged a partnership between Octavian and Swissport International, the world's leading supplier of ground handling services to the aviation sector. This agreement paved the way for Octavian to provide security and concierge services to aviation terminals and related services in the UK.

Other business interests

2010 saw Sukhi leading a consortium that attempted to take over the world's oldest football League club, Notts County.

In 2012 Sukhi set up Octavian Pharma a new entity aimed at procuring and distributing Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic products throughout North America.

Sukhi also acts a consultant for other businesses both in the UK and USA, including acting as an interim CEO on short term projects.

Sukhi frequently participates as an expert on business panels throughout the UK.

Honours and philanthropy

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has always been high on Sukhi's agenda and he has supported a number of charities via Octavian since its inception. His latest venture saw him taking to the pitch at Everton's Goodison Park, helping to raise £10,000 for Football Aid.

He is a member of the British Indian Business Forum, established to celebrate success and offer mentoring and support to Indian owned businesses.

Ghuman also sits on the Development Board for Nottingham Trent University and, for some years, he has mentored students and delivered guest lectures.

In 2011, he was the first non-US citizen to become Board Member for The Homeland Security Foundation of America (HSFA), whose mission is to advance Homeland Security while preserving Americans' civil liberties through life-saving public safety, energy and health and human services programs.

In 2012, he was honoured to be elected as Chair of the HSFA. Sukhi has won personal accolades, including:

Finalist in the 2009 'Entrepreneur of the Year' category, Growing Business Awards
Shortlisting in the 2009 'Entrepreneur of the Year' category, National Business Awards
Finalist in the 2008 'Entrepreneur of the Year' at the Business Awards Nottinghamshire
Shortlisting for the 2008 Ernst & Young 'Entrepreneur of the Year' Award
Being named as the Institute of Directors Midlands 'Emerging Leader 2007 (Large Business)'
First Enterprise Ethnic Minority Business Awards 2007 'Young Entrepreneur of the Year'
'Entrepreneur of the Year' at the 2006 Nottinghamshire Chamber of Commerce & Industry Nottinghamshire BEST Business Awards
'Entrepreneur of the Year' at the 2005 Nottinghamshire Chamber of Commerce & Industry Nottinghamshire BEST Business Awards