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Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award: Aly Esmail

Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award (supported by CareTech and Sheikh Holdings): Aly Esmail, director of the SME Group

Having joined his parents in the family business around a decade ago, Aly Esmail has helped make the SME group one of the most successful in its sector.


The group runs a wide range of fast food restaurants, partnering with some of the top franchise names in the world. Under Esmail’s watch, SME has expanded beyond its traditional London base and has now branched out into hotels with Choice Hotels International and InterContinental Hotels.

The company has over 1,000 employees and the Esmail family are well known philanthropists, donating to a number of worthy charities.

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The Russian, seeded fifth, defeated Thailand’s Kasidit Samrej in five sets, eventually winning 6-2, 4-6, 3-6, 6-1, 6-2. (Photo: Getty Images)

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DANIIL MEDVEDEV, last year's runner-up, survived a tough challenge and a temper flare-up to reach the second round of the Australian Open on Tuesday.

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Author Neil Gaiman faces new sexual assault allegations: Report

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Where history and nature collide: Exploring the wonders of Thingvellir National Park

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Where history and nature collide: Exploring the wonders of Thingvellir National Park

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Thingvellir National Park, located in Iceland, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its rich cultural and natural history. Established in 1930, it is one of Iceland’s most iconic destinations. The park’s remarkable landscapes, historical significance, and geological wonders make it an essential stop for travelers.

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Thingvellir holds immense historical importance as the site where the Althing, the Icelandic parliament, was established in 930 AD. This assembly, which continued until 1798, marks the foundation of Icelandic governance and law. Visitors can explore the Logberg (Law Rock), where the Law Speaker proclaimed laws during assemblies. The park also preserves the memory of key events in Iceland’s history, including the adoption of Christianity in 1000 AD and the country’s journey toward independence.

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RACHEL REEVES will remain as chancellor until the next general election, prime minister Keir Starmer has said.

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FROM HURT TO HOPE: Overcoming pain creates brighter tomorrows

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WHETHER 2024 was filled with joy or sorrow, the arrival of a new year invites reflection and renewal. If the past year brought loss, heartbreak, or disappointments, it may have left its mark, but it also presents an opportunity for growth and transformation.

Heartbreak, a universally human experience, can feel like a wound that lingers. It might stem from a friend’s betrayal, a partner’s infidelity, or an unexpected breakup, leaving us feeling lost, alone, and questioning our self-worth. Yet, these moments of pain are often catalysts for deeper understanding and personal growth. Like nature’s cycles of renewal, our hearts can heal and flourish with time and care.

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