He, perhaps epitomizes the diligent, new breed of Asian businessmen in Britain. At 20, Manchester-based Reuben Singh has defied all odds becoming the youngest Asian millionaire with a fortune estimated at a staggering £27.5 million through his fashion jewellery and accessories.
Singh started carving a niche in the fashion business when he was 18 while in school and doing his ‘A’ levels. Two years on, his company, Miss Attitude has scaled great heights and has still to be dethroned as the fastest growing company in the United Kingdom.
He’s been hailed by Britain’s Fleet Street as “The New Asian Tiger” and the fashion world is still bewildered at his sudden impact.
Undoubtedly, he’s proud of his baby “Miss Attitude matters the most to me, today,” he says like a true businessman. “I don’t have the time to think about marriage, girlfriends or the future.”
Despite this, Singh hasn’t given up on education. He still studies Financial Services at the Manchester University although he hardly gets time to attend lectures. His parents who owned an import business before have been a strong influence on him.
“My mother and father matter to me, dearly” he says “not just for financial reasons but they’ve been very good educational examples for me in many aspects of life” adds Singh, whose younger brother at 18 is also showing a deep interest in financial matters.
Singh’s success at such a tender age have been a boost for budding entrepreneurs in Britain. At the same time he’s aware of the expectations his success has given rise to “It’s flattering. It’s something you made on your own. But it’s maintaining and excelling in it which is important” he says and then with an obvious reference to his critics adds, “People who define success as luck don’t matter to me.”
In a way he’s managed to silence them all. In just two years he’s opened 60 retail outlets in the United Kingdom. He’s already launched a new company called Shoop which will be an extension to Miss Attitude. He’s even given a brand name (4U2NV-for you to envy) to some of his exclusive products to younger women.
But there is no sating his appetite for success. “In September I celebrate my 21st birthday and I hope to open my 75th store on that day” he says effervescently. He’s also about to launch the biggest range of cosmetics in the UK.
With the changing face of the fashion world, Singh, who only wears Armani and Versace, has set his eyes on what he believes is a growing market — India.
“I think India is first or on par with Europe contrary to what people say. I think it’s a myth that India is far behind, it’s racing ahead” he says candidly. Does he think he matters to them? “I hope so. I hope I matter to India because I am representing them outside India as a nation, as a country” he says. “I’ve been warmly recognised by the Indian Government and the Indian High Commission,” he adds.
So when does India beckon? “Soon,” he says. He plans to launch Kid’s attitude and Baby attitude in India in the course of the year. But with most major players already there or looking intently at India how would he compete? Singh shrugs it off. “I’ve looked at India 15 minutes ahead of them,” he says almost nonchalantly.
— KEVIN REGO