Perween Warsi, chief executive, S&A Foods
Perween Warsi began making ethnic foods in her kitchen at home, but her interest grew and eventually she founded S&A Foods in 1987, winning business at supermarkets such as Asda and Morrisons.
Today, she sits at the helm of a company with sales of more than £70M, employing more than 600 people.
Over the years she has won a host of awards for her efforts in the food industry, including Women Entrepreneur of the World Award in 1996, beating competition from 35 other countries.
She was awarded a CBE in the Queen's Jubilee Honours List in 2002 and an MBE in 1997. She also sits on the Confederation of British Industry's National Committee.
She became the recipient of Food Manufacture's Personality of the Year award at the Food Manufacturing Excellence Awards 2012.