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From wasteland to wonderland (From Asian Image)
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From wasteland to wonderland
12:04pm Friday 12th February 2010
Entrepreneur, Abdul Hafiz, has trans-formed a blighted spot used as a dumping ground into a successful commercial and residential development.
The three-storey development has four commercial units, which have been let to an insurance broker and a travel agency.
Above the 2,500 square-feet of commercial space on Whalley New Road, Blackburn are eight tenanted apartments.
Mr Hafiz, 47, first spotted the opportunity to regenerate the disused land in 1985 when he joined an initiative designed by Margaret Thatcher’s Government to encourage those on low-incomes to start their own businesses.
He used the one-year scheme, which paid £40 a week, to start a small car dealership.
By 2005, Mr Hafiz had earned enough money to start working on the property development.
He completed the project in December 2009 and named the building Zubeda House after his late mother.
Abdul said: “I’ve always dreamt of putting a building on this site. At the start of my journey, I had capital of only £400, a car and £40 a week of Government funding. It’s been a real challenge, particularly as I had no experience.
“However, it has been very enjoyable and the skills I’ve accumulated have proved invaluable and have rendered me in good stead for the future.
“Lloyds TSB Commercial has been incredibly supportive since I joined the bank.
“The level of trust between the bank and myself was set at a high level from the start and has been maintained throughout.”
Neil Haworth, Relationship Manager at Lloyds TSB Commercial, said: “Abdul’s story shows that there are opportunities for people with only small amounts of capital to start successful companies.
“He has worked extremely hard to build a business and I think it’s a fitting tribute that he has named the property after his late mother who had so much faith in him.
“Lloyds TSB Commercial is keen to support local businesses like Abdul’s for the long term and ensure they are in a strong position to expand as the economy improves.
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Abdul Hafiz, who has transformed a dumping ground into a successful commercial and residential development is pictured with Neil Haworth of Lloyds
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