London, Sept 17: Kartar Lalwani, NRI, founder-managing director of Vitabiotics, a vitamin supplement company, was adjudged the Entrepreneur of the Year at a gala function here last night. At the GG2 (Garavi Gujarat) leadership and diversity awards 2003 held at the Le Meridian Grosvenor House Hotel, Lalwani, who founded the company in 1971 was chosen for the coveted award for his exceptional marketing skills and entrepreneurial flair.
The company distributes 15 brands nationally and internationally, and five of these are Britain's best selling supplements. In May 2003, Vitabiotics received 'The Queen's Award' - the most coveted commercial prize that can be given to a UK business.
Baroness Valerie Amos, Britain's Secretary of State for department for international development, who was the chief guest, won the 'Hammer Award' the highest award given to an individual for breaking through the 'glass ceiling'.
The high commissioner for India to the UK Ronen Sen presented the award to baroness Amos.
Amos is the first black woman to be appointed on the British cabinet. Prior to her appointment as Secretary of State for international development in May this year, Baroness Amos was parliamentary under-secretary for foreign and Commonwealth affairs. Bureau Report