A Q&A with CEO of Octavian
By Emb Hashmi
Asian World caught up with the super successful security expert, philanthropist and multi-award winner CEO Sukhi Ghuman, told us about the great work achieved by Octavian to make life a little safer for everyone.
Sukhi was born in inner-city Leicester in 1977 into a Sikh family. There he remained until he was 14. When Sukhis family moved to Southampton, due to serious financial problems. He then went to Nottingham Trent University where he completed an LLB in Law, and then DeMontfort University (when his family moved back to Leicester in 1997) where he completed the Legal Practice Course. He said “I went straight through education and into a job as a trainee solicitor,” this is what led him to found his own business.
What did you do before you launched Octavian?
I was a trainee solicitor at regional firm Brethertons and once I qualified I joined city giant Nabarro.
Why did you launch Octavian?
In February 2003 – whilst working at Nabarro I recognised a niche in the market as we were pursuing proceedings for a client against a security company – I saw the niche and decided to start a company whilst continuing to work as a lawyer. I eventually quit my day job in June 2004; following first year trading results of £600k plus revenue from zero. I saw this business as a massive growth area and one which lacked real quality.
How old is Octavian?
10 years old – I see a big future in the USA and South America for an innovative and maturing company like ours. We have several entrepreneurs within the business who show some real pedigree for hunger and success
What service or products does Octavian offer and who is your target market?
We have 3 main businesses:
• Octavian Security UK – target market all commercial entities that require security, risk management consultancy and cleaning, a mix of private and public entities.
• Octavian Security Americas – targeting commercial entities in the USA across several states in the USA. Focus on manned security, risk management consultancy and cleaning
• Octavian Pharma – supply of medication into Japan and Africa
• Sukhighuman.com – mentoring, change management consultancy
Who is your inspiration on life? Do you have a role model?
For life principals; my late father, Mr Balwinder Singh Ghuman
For pure business ethics and skill; my fellow Director the late Mr Mick Burrows
Do you have a business mentor?
I seek to liaise with many people and read a lot of entrepreneurial books. I take out the bits which I like and blend them with my own ideologies.
How hard is it to start your own business? Please tell us through the key stages in developing Octavian and the difficulties you faced?
It is not easy and there were many challenges. The fact I worked in the corporate world helped me greatly, but my age 25, this really counted against me. I basically never took no for an answer and even set up a business in Dubai in 2005! I found it easier there than the UK. A big challenge in the UK is that the government doesn’t support start-ups. The USA has contracts set aside for small business to encourage entrepreneurship this helps a lot.
Was there ever a time where you wanted to give up?
Not for a single day, the determination has grown daily, but I am a little wiser these days. Take my time before firing on all cylinders. Wait longer than I ever would have for opportunities and I work a lot more personally with contacts in various jurisdictions. The opportunities will always come.
What is your mantra in life?
The options really are limitless, if you can see past what is in front of you
Do you undertake any philanthropic work?
Mentored students for many years and now involved with the John Van Geest Centre for Cancer Research. My aim is to do more and more for cancer.
What else do you do Sukhi as well as running Octavian?
I am a devoted father to 3 children, a son; I am also a son, brother and a friend. My time is spent with these people. I also have a keen interest in Football, motorsports, travelling and cultural awareness.
Awards/accolades you have achieved?
• ‘Excellence in Customer Services of the year 2012-13′ at the Indo British Business Forum Awards
• Finalist in the 2009 ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’ category, Growing Business Awards
• Shortlisting in the 2009 ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’ category, National Business Awards
• Finalist in the 2008 ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’ at the Business Awards Nottinghamshire
• Shortlisting for the 2008 Ernst & Young ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’ Award
• Being named as the Institute of Directors Midlands ‘Emerging Leader 2007 (Large Business)’
• First Enterprise Ethnic Minority Business Awards 2007 ‘Young Entrepreneur of the Year’
• ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’ at the 2006 Nottinghamshire Chamber of Commerce & Industry Nottinghamshire BEST Business Awards
• ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’ at the 2005 Nottinghamshire Chamber of Commerce & Industry Nottinghamshire BEST Business Awards
• He is a member of the British Indian Business Forum, established to offer mentoring and support to Indian-owned British businesses.
• Ghuman also sits on the Development Board for Nottingham Trent University and has mentored students and delivered guest lectures.
• In 2011, he was the first non-US citizen to become Board Member for The Homeland Security Foundation of America (HSFA), whose mission is to advance Homeland Security while preserving Americans’ civil liberties through life-saving public safety, energy and health and human services programs.
• In 2012, he was elected as Chair of the HSFA.
Advice to people wanting to start their own business?
Do your homework on your business and have the financial planning robustly tested/regulated. Try to avoid working with family and close friends, remain professional and failure is not a disaster. Finally surround yourself with loyal and progressive minded people.
One Lesson you learn in business?
Watch who you trust – keep your cards very closely to your chest.
Who will take over Octavian when and if you ever retire?
Whoever presents the biggest cheque!! Or my kids!
One thing you are most proud of in your life?
I have never taken anything from anyone or expected anything from anyone.
Best place to do business in the world in your opinion?
USA – no question
Any case studies where Octavian has made a remarkable difference in a clients or employees life?
We provided alcohol sniffing dogs to DHL in the Middle East to help prevent the smuggling of alcohol/drugs into dry countries. This was something we trailed, tested and suggested without even knowing it was possible.
Are you developing or working on any other new business ideas?
I am always looking at new ideas! Some exciting stuff in development now which will involve a global reach.
