Lakshmi Mittal richest Asian in Britain in 2010

The Asian influence on British businesses is impressive and is growing stronger by the day. As a community renowned for its entrepreneurial flair, Asian businesses have come a long way. From retailing and wholesaling to manufacturing and hotels, Asian businessmen and women now control some of Britain's biggest brands.

Eastern Eye, a publication of the Asian Media & Marketing Group, has published details of Asian Rich List for the year 2010.

Individuals who figure on the list have amassed their wealth in a variety of industries including finance and commodities, information technology, fashion, retailing, pharmaceuticals, and hotel and catering. Here's a look at top entrepreneurs in the list.

According to the list, NRI steel baron Lakshmi Mittal, owner of the world's largest steel company ArcelorMittal, is the richest Asian in Britain for the year 2010 with an estimated wealth of 17 billion pounds.

In 2009, ArcelorMittal had $65.1 billion revenues and crude steel output of 73.2 MT, representing 8 per cent of the global steel output.

ArcelorMittal, which has succeeded in lowering its cost base substantially and significantly strengthening the balance sheet, says the company is in a good position to benefit from the progressive, albeit slow, recovery that is underway.

Mittal is followed by the Hinduja brothers, Srichand and Gopichand, with net assets of 8 billion pounds. The Hinduja Group bought into Ashok Leyland, India's second largest HCV manufacturer, in 1987. It was the Group's first foray into India.

The group has a large export market and also enjoys a similar market share in the bus segment in Dubai. The chemical hub of the Hinduja Group was strengthened by the merger of Gulf Oil India Limited with IDL Industries Limited, which became effective from January 1, 2002.

Next in the list is Anil Agarwal, chairman of Vedanta Resources, with net worth estimated at 4 billion pounds. Vedanta Resources is a London-based FTSE 100 metals and mining group with interests in aluminium, copper, zinc and lead and with operations in India, Zambia and Australia.

Anwar Pervez of Bestways Group with net assets of 715 million pounds comes next. Pervez is the Chairman of Bestway (Holdings) Limited which includes Bestway Cement in Pakistan. Bestway Group is the amongst the largest Wholesale Cash & Carry Operator in the United Kingdom.

As per the list, India-born Great Britain-based business magnate and philanthropist Swraj Paul Baron has net assets of 510 million pounds. Swraj Paul founded the Caparo-the UK-based steel and engineering group. Lord Paul's roots go back to Jalandhar (Punjab) where, in 1910, his father started by making steel buckets, tubs, trunks and agricultural implements, and had a small foundry at the back of the family home. From this modest undertaking Apeejay Surrendra Group, founded by his father, has grown into one of India's largest family owned industrial groups in a wide range of industries: steel, engineering, hotels, shipping and tea.