Governors and Committee Members

Sukhi Ghuman
Co-opted Member of the NTU Development Board

Having identified the need for a new style of provider, Sukhi's mission was to offer clients a bespoke, quality led service, at an affordable price - indeed, to totally change the image of the security sector. His approach has enabled Octavian to develop a reputation for excellence, professionalism, quality and reliability that is truly second to none.

The multi award winning Octavian is now a dynamic, quality led, international provider of security and facilities management solutions. Headquartered in Rennie Hogg Road, Nottingham, and operating throughout the UK and internationally, Octavian's clients include leading organisations such as TOTAL, Balfour Beatty and McArthur Glen, together with many Councils and NHS Trusts. Octavian was recently named Britain's 27th fastest growing private company in the Sunday Times Virgin Fast Track League Table.

In 2005, and again in 2006, Sukhi was awarded with Entrepreneur of the Year from the Nottingham Chamber of Commerce and is the only entrepreneur to have won this award for two consecutive years. In 2007 Sukhi was named The Institute of Directors Midlands 'Emerging Leader 2007 (Large Business)' along with being named 'Young Entrepreneur of the Year' at the First Enterprise Ethnic Minority Business Awards.

In 2008 Sukhi was a finalist at the Business Awards Nottingham in the category of 'Entrepreneur of the Year' and in 2009 Sukhi achieved finalist status at the Nottingham Business Awards, category 'Entrepreneur of the Year'. In 2010 Sukhi was shortlisted for ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’ category, National Business Awards, and in 2013 for Outstanding Personal Achievement category of Nottinghamshire’s Best Business Awards.

In 2014 Sukhi was nominated for twelve awards, winning eight of these such as Entrepreneur of the Year for the Sikh National Awards and the IBBF international Business of the Year Award, to name a few. In 2015 Sukhi won four further awards which increased his reputation as a successful international entrepreneur.

Sukhi's ambition for the future international development of Octavian is behind the underlying success and global expansion of the company, which already operates in Europe and North America. Now working solely on international projects, Sukhi spends his time between the UK and the USA concentrating on working alongside international blue chip and public sector organisations to reduce loss, manage risk, provide manpower resource and generally protect their operations and interests.

Sukhi has also set up an exclusive franchise with global aviation specialists Swissport to form a security arm (Checkport) for the UK, Republic of Ireland and Pakistan, focusing solely on aviation security.

In 2013, he formed Octavian Security Americas LLC in Phoenix, Arizona, USA, providing security to some of the largest open pit mines in North America. Octavian Pharma Limited – an international pharmaceutical supply and sourcing division, supplying medication into Africa – was also established.

In May 2014, Ghuman formed Octavian Security Africa, established in Johannesburg, South Africa. In August 2015, Sukhi reached a deal to sell his UK business (Octavian) to CE Facilities Services.

Away from Octavian, Sukhi continues to work on independent projects ranging from re-structuring businesses to internationalising businesses, both in the UK and the USA.

In 2014, keen to harbour international links for the City of Nottingham, Sukhi became a Nottingham International Ambassador to assist promoting the city with his international connections. Sukhi has recently become a regular columnist for Asian World, a West Midlands publication providing a platform for the Asian community to voice their views and opinions.