A MAN who arrived in the UK with just £3 to his name and went on to set up a multi-million pound business has been recognised.

Nirmal Singh MBE’s inspiring rags-to-riches story has earnt him a special honour from the University of Bradford. 

Tasked with working in the UK and sending money back to his farming family in India, a 15-year-old Nirmal landed at Heathrow Airport, after missing his connecting flight to Manchester, in 1967.

He felt completely lost until a kind-hearted Sikh taxi driver gave him a bed for the evening.

He returned to the airport the next day and was reunited with his family in Manchester. 

Young Nirmal then found a job in Bradford’s textiles trade, manufacturing duvets.

Following the death of his boss, he bought a sewing machine and, alongside his wife, Harmesh Kaur, took over the business, which was re-named ‘Nirmal Razai Mart Company Ltd’. 

As the bedding business thrived, Nirmal used its profits to buy and renovate small, rundown properties.

The venture, now known as Nirmal Sekhon Group, has turned into a successful property development empire across West Yorkshire, including the completion of almost 2,000 apartments in construction. 

Mr Singh has now been awarded an Honorary Degree of Doctor of the University of Bradford - ‘In recognition of his significant commitment to the communities in Bradford and to the University’.

Nirmal, 72, said: “It can only be described as a ‘rags to riches’ story, because when I came to the United Kingdom as a 15-year-old, I only had £3 in my pocket.

"The achievements in my business life have been beyond my imagination, but I achieved my objectives with honesty and integrity of which I am very proud.

“Bradford is my home and is the source of my inspiration, as I have lived here since my arrival to Great Britain in 1967.

"Irrespective of where you are from, the city has welcomed me, and I feel ambassadorial on behalf of the city, having represented it, regionally, nationally and internationally.

“Anyone can achieve great accolades and heights, according to their positive visualisations, keeping a clean heart, and working hard.” 

Of his honorary doctorate, Nirmal said: “I feel honoured to be recognised for this doctorate.

"It is always a pleasure to be recognised for the work that I have carried out over the last 52 years, irrespective of colour, creed or race. 

“I feel elevated to receive this honour, as it is from an institution of my hometown.”