ASIAN GIANT PAAVAN POPAT, CHIEF EXECUTIVE, TLC GROUP
ALL ABOUT ATTITUDE Paavan believes that it takes the right attitude to make progress in a career in the care industry even if one doesn’t have a formal qualification. He cites the example of a member of his management team who left school with a GCSE and climbed up the ranks. He goes on, “My previous operations director started her career as a receptionist and had no qualification in care. But she had a good way with people. This is a people’s business and you have to understand how to nurture people and get the best out of them.”
exceptional care and learning whilst supporting each child to reach their own individual potential in a happy, healthy and safe learning environment.
service and a number of new USPs that we are developing. We are not in a race to grow. Currently we are growing at a steady rate.”
CARE TO EDUCATION
PROFITABLE WAITING LIST
Rupeen was in the care home business since 1984 until he saw a gap in the market for early children’s education. “Clearly there was a synergy between providing care for the elderly and care for children. Bright Little Stars is not about making profits although that element is important to run it successfully. What drove us was to find an industry from where we can make a difference to society.”
The Mill Hill nursery consistently has a wait list of over 100 children. The one in Harrow, this time next year is expected to perform similarly. The Watford nursery, which opened less than two years, is also running a wait list. Says Rupeen, “I would rather have four nurseries consistently running a wait list, than have eight without.”
BUT HATS OFF TO MY FATHER BECAUSE HE MADE A BIG SACRIFICE AND WALKED AWAY FROM WHAT WAS ESSENTIALLY HIS CREATION. IT WAS NOT AN EASY PATH FOR HIM. HE DID IT GRACEFULLY. HIS IS PERHAPS A UNIQUE CASE.
CLOSE KNIT FAMILY His family means a lot to Paavan. He says, “Family’s got to be more important than business. We are a very close knit family and we socialise and spend a lot of time together. If ever you feel that that the bond with your family is getting compromised due to business, then I think it is not worth being in business.”
BUSY SOCIAL LIFE
QUALITY NOT QUANTITY Currently the nursery is in Mill Hill, Watford, Stanmore and Harrow. Says Rupeen, “In 2018, we will focus on existing business rather than on expansion. We will focus on quality of
STAFF DEVELOPMENT The nurseries employ 140 people which includes full time administrators, chefs and kitchen assistants. “We offer our staff a number of opportunities for further education and we are very proud of our staff retention and staff development,” adds Rupeen. Says Rupeen’s business partner Anmol in parting, ‘Two of my children are enrolled in the Mill Hill nursery. “This gives me a first-hand insight into how children in our nurseries are faring. Next year my third child will also join the nursery.” Rupeen Popat, Co Founder, Bright Little Stars Nursery
Paavan goes to the gym regularly and travels as much as he can. He is a follower of his guru, Morari Bapu and visits his live discourses whenever he can. He says, “By going to the gym, having a busy social, family and spiritual life, I think I lead a well-rounded life.”
MENTORING Drawing on his own experience Paavan has mentored a few start-ups. For startups to succeed Pavan emphasises on determination, innovative products and excellent service. He adds, “Surround yourself with people who care for your interests and listen to their advice.”
CHILDCARE & EDUCATION: BRIGHT LITTLE STARS NURSERY The oldest of Lord Dolar Popat’s sons Rupeen Popat left the care home business to launch Bright Little Stars nursery. The idea came about from a passion to get involved in an industry from where he could make a positive social impact in communities. The strategy was to provide
SPRING 2018 I ASIAN GIANTS
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