Mustafa Kamil, The Managing Director of JJ Foodservices, earned top honours by receiving The Credit Suisse Entrepreneur of the Year Award at a gala ceremony at the Grosvenor House in London on Tuesday, 8th November. The award was presented by Charles Egerton-Warburton, Head of Onshore Private Banking UK Credit Suisse, before a gathering of over 1200 leading business people, and parliamentarians.

The category judges looked for an outstanding individual who could best demonstrate exceptional vision and leadership in the establishment and development of an owner-led business. Clear identification of a market opportunity, innovation, growth and evidence of strong financial performance in terms of sales and profit growth was essential.

Their choice, Mustafa Kamil, as a highly successful business that operates within the catering sector supplying frozen, chilled and ambient foods along with a full range of catering disposables and cleaning materials - in essence a one-stop-shop.

Jeremy Marshall, CEO, CSUK said: "Credit Suisse ( UK ) is delighted to be in the position to support the National Business Awards and sponsor the Entrepreneur of the Year Award. We received many high quality submissions for this award and due to the stiff competition it was difficult to decide a winner. However, Mustafa Kamil demonstrated outstanding entrepreneurial ability, with the exceptional balance of being a strong leader and a good manager. On behalf of everyone at Credit Suisse ( UK ), I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Mustafa on winning the Credit Suisse Entrepreneur of the Year Award." . Vice-President of Orange that was the event sponsoring company also congratulated successful businessman by stating that all winners share prominent characteristics of positive look to the future and loyalty to their jobs.

Finalists in the category were James Murray Wells of Glassesdirect, Karan Bilimoria of Cobra Beer, Mark Weir of Honister Slate Mine, Mike Newton of AD Group, Sam Colquhoun of Right Hand HR, Helen Colley of Farmhouse Fare, William Chase of Tyrrells Potato Chips, Julia Hands of Hand Picked Hotels and Allen Timpany of Vanco.

The Turkish Cypriot businessman was among the top category award winners, and was honoured for his courage, determination and belief in his operation by the judges of the prestigious award. "It was a huge privilege just to be included amongst the finalists for this award," said Mr Kamil. "It is truly an honour to win."

Mustafa Kamil risked £11 million on a new warehouse for his Enfield based wholesale fast-food distribution company, after discovering a gap in the market for distribution services to small fast-food establishments. He said, "All the distribution companies were geared to receive orders from the big fast food chains. None understood what small cafe owners wanted."

Having started his first business at 14, fixing transistor radios for friends, Mr Kamil studied engineering and joined the family restaurant business, opening his first burger bar in 1982 and expanding it to a chain. It was here that he realised the need for suppliers geared to small restaurant businesses, and decided to establish JJ Foods, which now has annual sales of £91 million, employs 650 staff and is opening depots in Bristol in a few months. With its newly planned depots in Bristol, the company aims to reach to all parts of United Kingdom.

Mustafa Kamil, in his special award interview with The Sunday Times said 'I never desired to work under someone else in any stage of my life" and explained that he worked on starting his own enterprise since he was 14 years old. Mr. Kamil also mentioned that 'Money alone is not a source of motivation for me anymore. What motivates me is to further my success and getting stronger"

As Professional Insight team, we also congratulate Mustafa Kamil for his achivements and for this prestigious award. We think his motivation and dedication should set an inspiring example for young Turkish entrepreneurs and innovators in UK.