Rafique Hayder OF BANGLA TOWN sets sight on several sectors
After a monumental success in wholesale and retail businesses, entrepreneur Rafique Hayder is keen to make great strides in other industries – software, property development and hotels. On the opening day of his second and bigger Bangla Town Cash and Carry branch in East London’s Barking, the confident businessman shares plans of his entry into other sectors, in a conversation with Curry Life Magazine.
The month of May couldn’t get better for businessman Rafique Hayder, who launched his second megastore – Bangla Town Cash and Carry, in Barking’s Thames Road after successfully running the Brick Lane store for nearly 23 years. With the ongoing holy month of Ramadaan, things only look more positive. Sprawling over 28000 sq ft in area, the store stocks every kind of Asian grocery, vegetables and fruits, fish and meat, confectioneries and beverages, toiletries and many more. In short, everything you can find in your local supermarket.
The opening day was a smooth affair with wishes pouring in – from family, friends and relatives. Prominent people from the Bangladeshi community visited the new venue, which is more than double the size of the Brick Lane Bangla Town (12000 sq ft).
Even a casual visit will leave one amazed. The isles were clearly demarcated with products according to their sections. Vegetables and fruits which are mostly consumed in South Asia such as kodu (wax gourd), korola (bitter gourd), drumsticks and jackfruit can be easily spotted. For a fish lover, a selection of fresh and salt water species ranging from the much-loved Hilsha to other varieties such as Rohu (carps) and Boal (catfish). Freezers displayed a variety of meat, fish and prawns for wholesale and retail purchase.
Acknowledging the constant messages and wishes, Rafique Hayder said, “I would like to thank everyone for their best wishes and all those who made the effort to visit us. We are very proud that we could open a second and bigger store to serve everyone better.”
“We are offering wholesale prices for retail purchases, which is uncommon. There is a lot of variety in this store and we are paying equal attention to the quality of products and customer services. Moreover, it’s a good atmosphere with a pleasant shopping experience,” the businessman said, highlighting the advantages of this megastore.
“There is ample parking space and we also have delivery system catering to the M25 circle. Central London can become very busy and it is not ideal for commuting due to time management and congestion charges. Hence, a store like this in Barking with a good parking area is a more convenient location for restaurant industry purchases and bulk buyers,” he added.
Success from Cash and Carry Businesses
A popular name in the Bangladesh community, Rafique’s other businesses apart from Bangla Town Cash & Carry, include Greenline Wholesale Distribution, Le China PLC and stretches to other sectors such as software development, property and real estate. He is looking to enter the hotel business as well. Rafique started Bangla Town Cash and Carry in 1996 along with four other partners – Foyzul Haque, Abdul Kalam, Junaid Kabir and Late Koysor Ahmed. The following year, he partnered with Haque, Kalam and three other investors to start New Bangla Town Cash and Carry. In 2003, he opened another Bangla City Cash and Carry, which operated only for few years.
Not a person to shy away from hard work, Rafique said he just wanted to keep the momentum going. “I worked hard alongside my brother Giash Miah in his business – Greenline Wholesale Distribution, an importer of vegetables, fruits and restaurant grocery. He was based out of UK mostly and I used to take care of the business in Bangladesh. Once I completed graduation and got more involved in the business, I moved to London in 1993,” he said.
The experience from his past ventures resulted in yet another major launch – Le China PLC in 2016 catering to Afro-Asian food products in Leyton. It covers a 27,000 sq ft area, housing a global import and distribution centre with goods from places in Africa and Asian countries such as Myanmar, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam and China.
The businessman believes that no business is free from challenges. “Imports and procurement from different countries across the world is not something unattainable. It is a bit of more hard work, but achievable. Two major challenges we faced here in Brick Lane was – Bangladeshi/Asian community moving out from here and secondly, the competition from supermarkets coming up in this area,” he said.
Elaborating further, he added, “Brick Lane is a mix of different ethnicities these days. So, in order to cater to more locals, we have to stock non-Asian products too. Also, supermarkets chains including ethnic food sections in recent years has certainly affected the cash-and-carry business.”
Passion and enthusiasm
The drive to do more has resulted in multiple ventures and proud associations for Rafique. The entrepreneur is the director of British-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce, a trade organisation. His unique experience of the import business also led him to establish the Bangladeshi Fruit and Vegetables Importers Association more than a decade ago. He’s also the Chairman of British Bangladeshi Importers Association (BBIA), which mainly imports fruits and vegetables from Bangladesh.
He has two property companies Bangla Town Property Limited and 3A Boss Limited. Rafique, who is a sports enthusiast, is also an Honorary president of Tower Hamlets Cricket Club. He understands the need to give back to the society and funds numerous community events and activities as well as associate businesses.
Keeping up with time, 50-year-old Rafique believes branding and digital presence is crucial for the survival of any business. “My focus has been on expanding the business and innovative ways to make the business stand out,” he pointed out, adding, “We have been building our own brands of products and marketing them as well.”
Technology too plays an important role in the success. “All our stores have apps which facilitates purchases and information on availability of products and prices. This contributes to the efficiency of the business,” he said. He credited this move to the younger generation in the business – his sons and nephews. “The younger generation in the business is well versed with these trends. They are taking the business forward by incorporating apps and online ordering and delivery systems,” he said.
Rafique is popular in the Bangladeshi community in UK and Bangladesh. While his brother is a known figure in Bangladesh politics, Rafique’s interest lies elsewhere. “I do share a very good relationship with my brother – I have worked alongside in his business and been there during his career moves. However, I like to keep myself away from active politics. I am a people’s person and I see myself working for charity and welfare organisations,” he pointed out. With the new ventures, many are left wondering whether he would cut down on his presence in the Brick Lane store. “Not at all,” he laughed. “I enjoy meeting people and Bangla Town in Brick Lane keeps me connected with my community. We have served our community for more that 20 years and have confidence to do so for the next generation too as long as we keep getting the love and support from everyone,” he signed off.
