The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
For someone used to the glamour and trappings of the modelling world, a Spalding taxi firm might seem like an unlikely first step into the business world.
However, Smart Cabs has a new partner – and celebrity Junaid Ahmed has ambitious plans.
The 20-year-old has invested a large chunk of his career earnings into the Westlode Street cab firm, wanting to help make it the biggest and best in the county.
“I’m here to take over Lincolnshire,” said the outgoing personality.
“I’m young but I’ve not got the brain of a 20-year-old.”
Junaid with his best friend, former The Only Way Is Essex star Abigail Clarke
His name might not be well known here, but Junaid is familiar to the paparazzi and glossy celebrity magazines.
In 2012, he was named Most Popular UK Asian Model at The Asian Fashion Awards and has advertised top brands such as Marks and Spencer and Lucozade.
With more than 55,000 followers on Twitter (@modeljunaid), his best friends include celebrities Abigail Clarke, Bianca Gascoigne and Kerry Katona.
So what did bring someone used to the red carpets and nightlife of London and Essex to Spalding?
“I’ve always wanted to be a business owner,” said Junaid, who lives in Peterborough.
“My uncle [Zhahed Younis] owns Acorn Taxis in Boston and he knows everything about the business.
“This opportunity came about, I did my research and thought it would be a good way to invest the money I have made from modelling.”
That career began when he was spotted by and signed to an agency at the age of 15.
As an Asian model, Junaid had to become hardened to criticism from his own community.
“[Modelling] wasn’t the norm,” he said. “I decided to take a stand and as soon as I did it, it gave me confidence.
“I was still at school, but living the dream.”
Since then his stock has continued to grow and a lucrative modelling career emerged.
Lately he’s been keen to invest some of the earnings.
Junaid would only say that he paid “six figures” to be a partner with Smart Cabs owners Andy Mountcastle and Nash Valani.
The firm was on the market recently for £369,950, with an advertised annual turnover of £1million and gross profit 68 per cent.
The flambuoyant star reckons there is the potential for him to be a millionaire through the business within five years.
And he’s determined not to be a remote boss. He’s at the premises five days a week learning all about how the business operates.
Junaid said: “I’m loving everything about it so far.
“I’m hoping to use my personality and the platform I have to take the business to bigger and better things.
“It’s the biggest taxi firm in Spalding, with about 60 vehicles and over 100 drivers.
“Now that I’m on board, I’m looking to make it the biggest in Lincolnshire.”
Junaid, who’s been at the helm for a fortnight now, accepts that coming in at the top of a business he knew nothing about was not straightforward.
“It was a risk but everyone has been very supportive. It’s a completely different world for me, but Spalding is just so lovely. It’s a nice place.”
There’s a chance the town and business could feature on ITV later this year.
Camera crews have been following Junaid in preparation for the launch of a reality TV show.
He said: “It’s about me as a 20-year-old in a glamour lifestyle. I can’t say what it’s called yet, it’s really a case of ‘watch this space’.”
“It could be out in October or November.”
