Paul Bassi - Brick by Brick: Success in Business and Life

PRAISE FOR BRICK BY BRICK

Dont mentor one more person, dont lead one more coaching session, dont conduct one more appraisal, without having first read this book. Paul Bassi reviews success, breaks it down, pulverises it and then rebuilds it in a way that forces readers to ask questions of themselves: excellent!

LORD DIGBY JONES, International businessman and cross-bench peer in the House of Lords

Pauls energising argument is that anyone can be a success in life. Whilst there is no entitlement or magic ingredient, Paul offers practical advice built on his years of experience in the property industry. Always a modest man, his tips are generously given and sound so natural. The tough bit will be following them!

ANDY STREET CBE, Mayor of West Midlands and former MD of John Lewis

Through his philanthropic work, Paul has shared his success with his friends, neighbours and local community. He has a generous spirit and believes that everyone no matter where they come from should be able to succeed as far as their individual talent and hard work can take them. He is an inspiration to us all.

TOM WATSON MP, Deputy Leader of the Labour Party

Whoever and wherever we are, the bottom line is that we all need a beckoning vision, a life plan or aspiration that pulls us on and drives us on. Nobody is better able to picture that vision for us, and ground it in reality, than Paul Bassi.

JOHN CRABTREE OBE, Lord Lieutenant of the West Midlands

Paul unpacks what many people want to know in a simple, accessible and human way. His words and actions have inspired me, whether he is in front of me talking over a cup of tea, or whilst I am having one of my what would Paul do here? conversations with myself. I would compel anyone of any age and walk of life to read this book, as there will be something inside it that will resonate with you.

PAUL THANDI DL, CEO, The NEC Group

Paul has been immensely successful, achieved by deploying his most powerful weapons good old-fashioned common sense and a straightforward way of dealing with people and business. Combined with a fabulous work ethic, he has become the go-to businessman in the Midlands.

WILLIAM WYATT, CEO, Caledonia Investments Plc

The journey of Pauls family as Indian immigrants, through to Paul achieving huge success across his businesses in the United Kingdom, is a truly inspirational read.

ASHA BHOSLE, Legendary singer and global restaurateur

All profits generated from the sale of this book that are due to the author, Paul Bassi CBE, will be donated to The Bond Wolfe Charitable Trust (Charity No 1132430)

Thank you to

My faith in Sikhism as a philosophy of life and our one god for the blessing, health and good fortune that has been bestowed on me and my family and friends.

My grandfather. Without his courage to take those first steps from our village in Punjab, full of hope and fear in equal proportion, my journey and adventure would not have happened. Our family will forever be indebted.

My beautiful eldest daughter Terri, you were the first in our family to graduate from university with a Masters degree. You have matured into a caring and responsible young lady, and wife. To my son-in-law, Amo, for the respect and love you have shown my daughter and the rest of the family. I am proud of you both and wish you well in your married life ahead.

My son, Bobby. You are growing into a highly respected young man and exceptional company executive. Having put the necessary hard work into your career, coupled with the dedication and commitment to all you do, will give you the golden future that your old head teacher said you would have. Thank you for your loyalty, support and your understanding.

My radiant youngest daughter Nikita, aka the Indian. You are talented, caring and loving, whilst being determined and loyal to all those with whom you share your life , especially your charming young man Nicholas. Dont change and believe in yourself. Enjoy your life; you are a very special young lady.

My favourite eldest nephew Gurpreet, your leadership as the eldest of the next generation is the foundation of the future. You are an outstanding young man and husband to the beautiful Karen and a fantastic dad to young Dylan (smiler). You have an amazing career ahead of you, enjoy the journey.

My favourite middle nephew, and my namesake, Paul, aka totters. You are a gifted young man and the world is your playground. Remember, there are no limits and glass ceilings dont exist. You are going to have an outstanding career and it is thoroughly deserved. No matter where you go, dont forget to give your old uncle a call once a week.

My favourite youngest nephew, George, aka horse. The baby of the family is turning into a very capable young man. Your gentle nature and caring personality are recognized by all. You can be and do whatever you want to and I am confident that you have a great future ahead of you.

The values and morals passed down to the future generations of honesty, hard work and commitment are the greatest legacy one can bequeath. You gave me the philosophy of always doing the right thing, the bedrock of all that I have done and will do.

Thank you Kamaljit, Rashpal, Dharminder and Baljinder for your support and loyalty. Its been a great adventure and now we watch our children with pride, enjoying seeing them progress with their adventures.

For your guidance and support and for the integrity you have imbedded in your children and grandchildren.

My close friends, many of you whom I have known for decades, you give me balance and total support and of course make me laugh and even laugh at my jokes. You are always there in good times and sometimes sad times.

Nick Baird, Mark Bevan, Nick Billig, Patrice Boilletot, Richard Boot OBE, Tony Brewer, Stuart Burkin, Eric Jones, Hreesh Kenth, Pawan Kenth, Peter Knowles, Ian Livingstone, Peter London, Afsal Majid, Khalid Minhas, Amir Mosavian, David Myers, Harry Parmar, Adrian Pegler, Alan Fonzy Prince, Andy Savage, Stuart Shields, Gurpal Showker, Jag Shoker, Andrew Tiger Simpson, Ash Sudera, Andy Szwed and Simon Webb.

Jo Ball, Sandra Boot, Linda Daly, Suman Hollier, Lynn Jones, Denny Knowles, Denise Law, Judy London, Jan Morrell, Lesley Myers, Karen Parmar, Debbie Pegler, Tracey Prince, Kay Savage, Helen Shields, Sue Simpson, Maree Smith, Chris Szwed, Sally Tucker and Alison Webb. These ladies have been great friends for decades. You do make me laugh and sometimes make me pull my hair out. Thank you for all the good times and for looking after my mates.

Oliver, Morgan, Ewan and Luke. Its an honour and very humbling to be asked to be your godfather. You all have great parents and I am sure you will all make them proud and grow up to fulfil your enormous potential.

Josh Davis, James Lumsden-Cook, Vafa Payman, Ian Hallsworth, Rachel Nicholson, Tony Mulliken, Amelia Knight, Ben McCluskey and the rest of the teams at Bloomsbury and Midas.Without your skill and professionalism this project would never have got off the ground. Thank you for your support and confidence in me.