Fatima Patel, the founder and sole female owner of a series of print newspapers in the UK, has been honoured with the prestigious Top 50 Professional and Career Women Award 2023.
This recognition celebrates her extraordinary journey, entrepreneurial resilience, and unparalleled growth in the media industry.
Exactly 10 years ago, Fatima faced a life-altering challenge when she was hospitalised, uncertain if she would ever walk again. During this critical period, her media career hung in the balance. However, demonstrating unparalleled determination and tenacity, she defied all odds and emerged stronger than ever.
Today, not only does Fatima have a thriving news publication, but she has also successfully launched four newspapers, with plans for an additional six titles to be introduced soon.
Fatima’s journey serves as a powerful testament to her unwavering spirit and unwavering belief in her vision. Despite numerous obstacles, she has catapulted her media empire to become one of the largest Asian media titles in the North of England.
Her relentless drive, coupled with her ability to adapt to a changing landscape, has been instrumental in her unprecedented success.
In 2011, Fatima made history by launching the UK’s first FREE Asian Sunday newspaper, initially focused on Bradford, with a readership of 30,000 per week. Since then, she has surpassed all expectations, with her readership now exceeding 2 million, reaching a global audience.
Fatima’s dynamic vision has not only defied the decline of print newspapers but has ushered in a growth in this medium, highlighting her entrepreneurial acumen and forward-thinking strategies.
Alongside her commercial news business, Fatima founded the Inspirational Women Foundation CIC, a registered community interest company. Through this organisation, she has championed the cause of women’s empowerment, support, and equality, further amplifying her impact on society.
The Top50 Professional and Career Women Award 2023 recognises Fatima’s remarkable journey and her significant contributions to the media industry. Her achievements stand as a beacon of inspiration and serve as a reminder that resilience and determination can overcome even the most daunting challenges.
This milestone year marks a turning point in Fatima’s career, demonstrating not only her personal triumph over adversity but also her ability to create a thriving media empire. Her company, RF Media & Publishing, has experienced exceptional growth and continues to grow, despite the cost of living crisis.
On receiving the award, Fatima said: “I am both humbled and ecstatic to be recognised on a global platform for my work in media. During my four-day journey in Sri Lanka, I had the privilege of encountering a diverse tapestry of individuals, effectively encompassing the entire world. This experience has been truly humbling, uplifting, and empowering.
“I had the pleasure of meeting extraordinary women who are spearheading remarkable initiatives in their respective nations. Their impact on me was profound, evoking laughter, tears, personal growth, and enlightenment.
“This award comes with it great responsibilities. I hope to uphold the value of this prestigious accolade, but also to take as many people as I can on this incredible journey with me.”
Since arriving back in the UK, Fatima has been overwhelmed with congratulatory messages, which include MP Imran Hussain, who invited Fatima to parliament to congratulate her and said: “Congratulations to Fatima Patel, for being recognised at the Professional & Career Woman Awards 2023 for her work and contributions to international media.
Fatima is such an incredibly important part of Bradford and we’re all so very proud of her for her fantastic achievement.”
The “Top50” Professional and Career Women Awards 2023, is organised by Women in Management (WIM) in Sri Lanka, in partnership with Women in Work, a collaboration between the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Government of Australia.
The 11th edition of the awards, which saw 514 nominations, from 23 countries, celebrated women representing diverse professions such as hospitality, banking and finance, logistics and supply chains, entrepreneurship, media and law, amongst others, for their outstanding achievements and inspiring influence on their communities.
The Honorary Dinesh Gunawardena, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, was the Chief Guest at the event.
Dr Sulochana Segera, Founder and Chairperson of Women in Management (WIM), expressed her enthusiasm about this year’s awards, “The 2023 awards were a celebration of resilience, optimism, hard work, and growth. As we navigated through unprecedented challenges over the past year, the winners of this year’s awards serve as a reminder of the boundless possibilities and opportunities that can arise from adversity.
These women have showcased their extraordinary potential, challenging the status quo for the greater good. Over the past decade, the Top50 Awards has provided a platform for women to showcase their talents, achievements and, most importantly, to inspire others.”
Fatima is certainly inspiring many with her remarkable milestone journey.
