TransCity

Sumerah Ahmad and Humerah Khan, founders of London’s award-winning Asian radio station Club Asia, are in Management Today’s list of top business women under 35.

Three years ago, the two sister from Essex recognized the need for a dedicated station for young British Asians. Despite having no previous experience in radio broadcasting, Humerah, an accountancy graduate, and Sumerah, a law graduate with an NVQ in Film and Video production, managed to secure a highly sought after broadcasting license from Ofcom.

The station Club Asia was launched in September 2003. During its first year on air, it was the fastest growing commercial radio station in London, becoming a household name amongst the Asian community. The station has been instrumental in the emergence of rising Asian music stars and it is widely recognized as the UK’s leading brand in the Asian youth market.

By presenting in English and speaking about issues that affect the community, Club Asia seeks to unite people of all cultures and bridge the gap between generations and lifestyles. Musically, Club Asia is known for playing non stop hits from a wide range of musical genres, from Bollywood, Bhangra, Asian Pop/Rock to fusion, as well as the best from the mainstream.

Ahmad (see picture) and Khan recently received the Asian Woman of Achievement Award for Entrepeneur of the Year 2006. They were also finalists for the Entrepeneur of the Year Award 2006, and won amongst others, the Best New Businesses in the UK Award in 2005.