Tony Wade

The intriguing story of how Tony Wade established the most successful black enterprise in 20th century Britain, at a time when it was difficult to obtain business financing, has been documented in his autobiography, Adventures of an Economic Migrant.

While exploring how Wade penetrated the market and succeeded in building a multimillion pound company, the autobiography is also a human interest-filled story.

The autobiography reveals how engagement at the grassroots in his community led to leadership roles which eventually became the bedrock of a career which, over the years was to grow the author into a rounded business personality.

DUAL HERITAGE

The narrative of this book embodies a rich mix of heart warming cultural stories of island life in Montserrat from which he hailed, and the discovery of his dual heritage (Irish and African) is intriguing as is his boyhood pursuits and ambitions.

The author's success kindled the spirit of 'enterprise' which has touched the lives of the entire black community in Britain. Wade has filled several senior positions in the wider society, and carved out a place in the black social history of Britain.

Civic leadership

While several publications attest to his legacy, perhaps nothing illuminates this in more graphic detail than his civic leadership of the redevelopment of the Stonebridge Housing Action Trust, which stands out as one of the most successful inner-city redevelopment community projects in the entire UK.

Former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher refers to Tony Wade as "someone who is doing the country proud". He was honoured in 1987 with an MBE, for his contribution to employment, and a 'Lifetime Achievement in Business Award 2005' at the Guildhall Hall London.