12. Paul Bassi, Bond Wolfe

Born in Birmingham and of Sikh Asian origin, property magnate Paul Bassi is supportive of many of the multi-cultural organisations throughout the West Midlands.

A highlight of his career so far came when he chaired the twinning of Sandwell and Amritsar - the city of the Golden Temple, and the only twinning that Amritsar has ever permitted in its 300 year history.

In business, Paul was until recently the West Midland regional chairman of "Royal bank" Coutts & Co and was its UK strategy adviser.

In April 2007, he was appointed Midland chairman of the Icelandic-owned bank, Kaupthing, Singer & Friedlander when it moved into Birmingham.

Paul also retains his role as chairman of Bond Wolfe, the business he founded some 25 years ago, and is chairman of Bigwood chartered surveyors, which combined are listed in the top 50 UK estate agencies.

In January 2007, he became chief executive of Real Estate Investors Plc. the quoted property company where he is also the largest shareholder.

Paul was formerly vice-president of Sandwell & Dudley Chamber of Commerce and has accepted the vice-presidency at Birmingham Chamber of Commerce.

This new appointment will mean that Paul will become the first Asian president of the largest chamber of commerce in the country.

In addition to his commercial interests, he is an active supporter of a number of charitable and community organisations, His contribution to the Midlands region was recognized with the appointment by Buckingham Palace as High Sheriff for the West Midlands for 2009 and most recently Deputy Lieutenant for the West Midlands.

Paul is a former Price Waterhouse Coopers Entrepreneur of the Year and the youngest ever recipient of LloydsTSB Life-Time Achievement Award.

Other directorships include the Birmingham Hippodrome, InvestBX, the Regional Stock Exchange and Corporatewear UK Plc.