Amjad Pervez is managing director of Seafresh Wholesale Distributors and chairman of the Yorkshire Asian Business Association

Q. Where were you born?

In a village called Bhirtta in Punjab, Pakistan.

Q. Where did you start your working life?

My real first job was assistant marketing manager at the Yorkshire Building Society.

Q. What were your ambitions – and do you still have any?

As a young man I was hungry for financial success through building a strong and sustainable family business. Now I see wider community-based responsibilities as a priority.

Q. Would you rather be doing something else?

I think I manage my time effectively so have the luxury of doing what I want when I want.

Q. What do you regard as your biggest achievement ?

Realising my parents’ dream of keeping the family united and building a strong enterprise.

Q. What are your key tips for success?

Market intelligence, a good intelligent entrepreneurial team, focus and the determination to succeed knowing the road is going to be very bumpy.

Q. What regrets do you have?

Absolutely no regrets, just hard lessons from the university of life: learn from the mistakes, keep marching with vigour and determination.

Q. How do you relax?

Chilling with my family, particularly my grandchildren who are just unbelievably demanding yet totally adorable.

Q. What are your hobbies/ pastimes/ outside interests?

Cooking, especially food fusion, reading and listening to the radio. I also do a lot of voluntary work.

Q. What is your favourite book/film/ play or song?

Book – Manufacturing Consent, by Edward Herman and Noam Chomsky; Film – The Silence Of The Lambs or Malcolm X; Play – The Taming Of The Shrew; Song – Heer, by Sufi poet Waris Sha.

Q. Who is your hero?

I don't believe in heroes but admire people who work for the good of humanity such as Nelson Mandela and Abdul Satter Edhi, the Pakistan-based humanitarian.

Q. What do you think of Bradford and its prospects?

I came to this city as a ten-year-old and it has given me the opportunity to educate myself and other members of the family and build our business here. Bradford is a unique and vibrant city that has the potential to be THE world city as we have the demographics, entrepreneurial spirit and community diversity to take advantage of the globalised economy.