BRITISH Asians generated £103bn a year to the UK economy, even though many arrived in this country penniless, homeless and unable to speak English, says a report today.
The Institute of Asian Professionals' report said Asians made up 2.5% of the population, but accounted for a tenth of the UK's economic output.
Lords, entrepreneurs, financiers, scientists, lawyers, surgeons and community leaders will meet in London tonight to mark their contributions.
The institute has published an Asian Power List, adding that the research came at a time when many Asians felt their lives were under "intense scrutiny."
The institute's chairman, Khalid Darr, said: "The figures are quite staggering.
"Many arrived without a penny to their name, and they have built multi-million pound business empires.
"Entrepreneurship, coupled with a wonderful work ethic, fuelled with a desire to better oneself, is a potent force driving the British Asian business community."
Business leaders on the list included steel company magnate Lakshmi Mittal and Sir Gulam Noon, whose firm produces 1.2m ready meals every week.
Success story -
BRITAIN'S successful Asian businessmen include Huddersfield man Ajaz Ahmed (pictured), co-founder of internet service provider Freeserve, which went on to float on the stock market for £1bn. Mr Ahmed also helped set up website design firm Zestmedia in Huddersfield, which later merged with Sheffield-based Quba New Media. He has also helped to set up Symphony, an online conference organising service.
