Verity Hancock, Principal of Leicester College

“We are shocked and saddened by the news of the tragic accident and want to send our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Shahbaz and Sana for their loss.”

Shahbaz was a Peter Jones Academy learner at Leicester College in 2013-2014.  He asked on his first day “What do I need to do to become Entrepreneur of the Year”?

While on the course, Shahbaz demonstrated his entrepreneurial flair in many ways, entering every competition, winning challenges and ultimately becoming one of 6 students shortlisted for the National Entrepreneur of the Year.  After graduation, Shahbaz continued to support the Academy, returning to mentor other students.

Peter Jones, CBE remembers Shahbaz:

“I am shocked and deeply saddened to hear of the tragic deaths of Shahbaz Bhim and his fiancé Sana Sutaria. I met Shahbaz on a number of occasions and he always made a very, very positive impression. His enormous talent was plain to see when he pitched as one of just six finalists in our National Entrepreneur of the Year 2014 competition, and since leaving the Peter Jones Enterprise Academy he has been a wonderful ambassador. He was ambitious, charismatic and extremely intelligent, and I have no doubt that he would have gone on to achieve great things. My thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the couple’s friends and family at this terribly sad time.”

Julie Newitt, Programme Lead for the Peter Jones Enterprise Academy said “Shahbaz came into the Academy brimming with confidence, his presence filled the room with light, his winning smile and huge heart engaged with learners and staff alike.  There is no doubt that this world will be a poorer place without him in it. It was an honour to have known him and I give his family my deepest sympathy.”

Rupinder Drew, Business Enterprise Academy Manager at Leicester College said “Shahbaz raised the bar and set the standard for other students in the Academy.  He was a role model in every sense of the word.”

Louise Jones, former Business Enterprise Academy Manager at Leicester College said “He was such a bright, ambitious, driven young man who was always polite and courteous, with a cheeky sense of humour.”

The Academy works with many local employers who act as business mentors to the students, and Shahbaz was headhunted by Haart as a sales negotiator at the end of his course.  Duncan Jones, Financial Services Director, North & West Division of Haart said “His colleagues are stunned by the news and that Shahbaz was hard working and highly respected by everyone he worked with.”

Fellow colleague, Rishi Kotak, also an ex Peter Jones Enterprise Academy learner at Leicester College said that he always referred to Shahbaz as “the man with a plan” as he knew exactly what he wanted in life and would stop at nothing to achieve his ambitions.

Yvette Sexton, Director of Business and Computing at Leicester College said “Shahbaz was a credit to his family and was the first of our Academy students to be shortlisted as National Entrepreneur of the Year.  His business idea was “mobile” non-alcoholic “Mocktails” for events – to cater for his community and other non-drinkers.  He pitched his idea to Peter Jones himself, who was extremely impressed with his business acumen and personal qualities.  Shahbaz’ sudden death is a real shock to everyone who knew him, students and staff alike at Leicester Colleges and we send heartfelt condolences to his family for their sad loss.”

Sana Sutaria also studied at Leicester College on a level 3 qualification in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools and carried out her teaching practice at Abbey Primary School.

Her assessor, Vicki Hodson, said: “Sana was hard working, conscientious, motivated and was absolutely focussed on her studies.  She had excellent attendance and her work was exemplary.  Sana gained her Teaching Assistant’s qualification in June 2015 and had planned to go to University to undertake a PGCE.”

Michelle Ensor, the Lead Trainer paid tribute:

“Sana was articulate, bright and immaculate in her appearance. She was kind and thoughtful and touched the lives of all those she came into contact with.”