Syed Ahmed – Bio

My story…

From as far back as I can remember, my parents have been positive role models because of their hard work, and they set something ticking in my mind that’s ticking to this day.

I’ve never been afraid of hard work, and have always tried to be the very best doing whatever it was I had to do – from my days as a schoolboy right up to now, when I’m at an exciting crossroads in my business career.

In business terms my proudest achievement is to have carried a belief in something that most people told me was impossible, and turn it into a reality, and a company, and to grow it to the stage where it is a viable business.

At one stage in my life, I wanted to be Alan Sugar’s Apprentice. You might remember me! Although of course, I didn’t win, I was the one who they invited along to the National TV awards after the show had aired. The feedback I’ve had from that time (and people often forget that it’s screened months after it’s all over) has been fantastic, and I’ve found many people connected with the aspects of me they saw on TV.

Of course, editing for TV, and the sensationalist press coverage that The Apprentice created were part of the payload in what was an exciting and demanding experience, but it has sometimes been hard for others to see me clearly through the prism of all that.

It’s ironic to think that I am now working with someone who used to work with Sir Alan Sugar, and to know that I probably would have been the worst possible person to work for Sugar, but that’s all been part of a process of discovery.

I have always found that you have to act, say, do things – and of course, you make mistakes – and of course, you learn – sometimes poorly, sometimes well. You don’t always get what you deserve from your experiences, and from others – but what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.

One important thing I’ve discovered is that you have to believe in yourself. Not to the point of arrogance, but you must have self-belief – because if you do then anything is possible? I have, and am continuing to create and build businesses which are creative, ethical, fun, colorful and passionate.

In my 9 solid years operating within the IT recruitment sector, I have trained, and managed teams, looked after large Global Accounts, and consistently performed at the highest level.

I have also co-founded and managed a very successful City Based Niche Head Hunting Company, specializing within the Financial Sector, our clients included Morgan Stanley, Lehman Brothers, FSA, Accenture, the FT to name but a few.

What I learned, and how I got my results was through sheer determination and hard work, I knew that if I had a hunger, and a desire to reach something, there was very little that could stop me…

I’ve been very fortunate to have some amazing customers and clients. The business continues to grow and I’ve been very happy with their level of success. I have now moved on, and focused my all my energies in building a Global brand from scratch – SA Vortex Ltd with Thomas Power, who is Chairman of the Company.

With the help of Thomas Power, we incorporated the company in Oct 2006. SAVortex is a multi-award winning British design and manufacturing company that develops IP protected Eco-friendly technology for the global Cleantech industry.

Fast track 4 years of hard work, pain, excitement and challenges, SA Vortex has developed and launched a truly revolutionary Eco-friendly product, a smart hand dryer that recovers energy. The technology, developed by one of the country’s leading airflow dynamics engineers, is worldwide patent protected and has been compared to the game-changing cyclone technology Dyson brought to the vacuum cleaner market. After securing international patents and developing functional prototypes, I hand-picked a management team and board of directors to assist in launching SAVortex on an international scale.

I was a key figure in generating sponsorship, grants, attracting investment. We have an impressive list of blue chip clients we work with and our products are distributed via the UK’s leading distributors. On a day to day basis, I do whatever the business requires; overseeing ongoing product development, sales, PR, production and implementing global marketing strategies – including website design, corporate identity and brand development.

Through all of this, one thing has remained steady: my family. My family is something I am very proud to be a part of, and although I spend a lot of time and energy on my work, it’s ultimately secondary to my family, and I protect their privacy because they have always protected me. Even though I don’t yet have children of my own, I am lucky enough to have ‘by proxy’ a lot of joy and love to support my efforts in life and business.

Business Tips & Insights:

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How I could help you?

I think the main way I can help people is to inspire and encourage following your dreams and capturing them, especially those who are thinking of starting in business.

I have helped launch several young enterprise initiatives across the UK – and have worked with The Young Chamber which provides a structured framework involving students, schools, and the business community.

How you could help me?

Consider me as a guest speaker, a host for your business events, charities or Award ceremonies.

I have hosted events; I have spoken at several business initives, such as The Global Management Challenge competition and presented awards at The National Final held at CIMA headquarters

If you need a keynote speaker, good at motivating people, or someone to boost revenue by advising your business or charity, please contact me, or drop me an email on info@savortex.com, or follow me on face book or twitter.

SAVortex is always looking for talented and dynamic individuals to join our team, if you think you’ve got what it takes (or know someone who may) please send your CV to: recruitment@savortex.com introductions to organisations that could benefit from our patented technology, to reduce their Carbon Footprint. Find out more at www.savortex.com

The Apprentice

I’m not the Apprentice anymore…

I am an Entrepreneur, Public speaker, Host and I’ve also gained a Gold Standard in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme. I am an ex corporal in the Air Training Corp. I love flying, I love working people, I love business, I love chilling with my family, and I enjoy most things in life.