Owner, Entrepreneur Nighat Awan OBE

Born in 1955 in Manchester to Pakestani family and now lives in Hale, Cheshire. Married in 1975. Two sons one daughter. Career : Became involved with husband Rafique's Shere Khan restaurant group in 1987. Director of the firm and was named Asian businesswoman of the year in 2002. Overcame near-fatal throat cancer and a serious motor neurone infection which left her paralysed; heart bypass in 2003. She was awarded an OBE in 2004. She has been a serial entrepreneur since establishing the Je T'Aime chain of boutiques and the Suki International florists business, which she eventually sold to Interflora where she joined the board in 1997. Her mantra in life and business: 'health is wealth'. Awarded an honorary doctorate from The Business School at Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) at Manchester's Bridgewater Hall in July 2007. Hobbies/Activities : In her spare time she works with a variety of organizations, including The Prince's Trust, Business in the Community, Bolton Business Ventures and Cancer BACUP. Awards : * Food From Britain Award * 2002 Asian Jewel Woman of the Year North * 2002 Asian Exhibition Business Woman of the Year * 2002 Asian Business Woman of the Year * 2003 Finalist in Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year * 2002/3 House of Lords Awards for work with charities * 2004 OBE