Born in Mombasa, Kenya, Mr Surendra Panchal hails from a well-known family — his father owned a prominent photography studio highly regarded within the local Asian community. He began his education at Manyumbo Primary School, where his outstanding performance earned him a place at the prestigious Allidina Visram High School.
A passionate cricketer from an early age, Mr Panchal started as a wicketkeeper and quickly rose to become the youngest captain of his school team. Under his dynamic leadership, Allidina Visram High School reached the national finals, finishing as runners-up. His exceptional talent and leadership were soon recognized nationally when he was appointed captain of the Kenya National Schools Cricket Team for the Triangular Tournament between Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania — a remarkable achievement that cemented his reputation as one of the most promising young sportsmen of his time. Also, Mr Panchal during his time in India he had the privilege to represent three times for Indore University and twice for Gujarat University during an inter-university cricket league.
In 1987, Mr Panchal and his family migrated from Kenya to London, where he began a new chapter filled with ambition and community spirit. In 1990, he established his first business at the Gerrards Cross Cricket Club, which he successfully managed for a decade. The club became a thriving hub for various sports including cricket, hockey, and tennis. Alongside him, his wife, Mrs Vandana Panchal played a vital role in the success of the club. Her unwavering support and active involvement enabled Mr Panchal to continue expanding his ventures while she managed the family and business affairs with dedication and care. Together, their partnership became the foundation of both their professional achievements and their family’s continued success – a true testament to their teamwork and resilience.
During his tenure, Mr Panchal began the Junior Cricket Team, attracting over 150 young players to the club. His dedication and leadership culminated in organising an Under-15s cricket tour to South Africa, successfully raising £50,000 to make the trip possible. The tour was a remarkable success, fostering talent and teamwork among the young players.
Mr Panchal’s coaching career played a pivotal role in shaping future stars. Under his mentorship, Andrew Strauss began his journey as the Under-19s captain, competing in the 1992 Knockout Cup at Beaconsfield Cricket Club. Mr Panchal also managed one of the first training groups for six- and seven-year-olds, where he coached Alex Hales, who represents the England Cricket Team at an international level.
From 2000 to 2006, Mr Panchal was involved with Acton Sports Club. During this period, the introduction of the Licensing Act 2003 sparked his interest in licensing compliance and regulation. Recognising a lack of multilingual training resources, he pursued professional training in Birmingham and soon after founded Personal Licence Courses UK Ltd in June 2006. Nearly two decades later, the business continues to thrive and expand under his leadership.
Mr Panchal’s company provides comprehensive services ranging from personal licence training and premises licence applications to representation at hearings across the UK — from London to Manchester, Brighton, Canterbury, and Wales. His professionalism and dedication have earned him a reputation for excellence in securing successful outcomes for clients nationwide. He is also the founder of the British Asian Association for Retailers and Restaurateurs (BAARR), committed to supporting Asian off-license retailers and restaurateurs by promoting compliance and exemplary business practices.
Beyond his professional achievements, Mr Panchal is a proud and active member of the Gujarati community. As President of the Lions Club, he champions charitable initiatives, including fundraising for prostate cancer awareness. Under his presidency, the club has successfully hosted major cultural events such as the 2025 Navratri and Ganesh Chaturthi festivals.
Rooted in his heritage yet driven by progress, Mr Panchal continues to be a pillar of support, leadership, and inspiration within both his community and the wider professional sphere.
