WE’RE BUILDING A SECURE FUTURE FOR GENERATIONS TO COME.
NOVUS is a London-based family enterprise with a long-standing record of building and scaling successful international businesses. Founded in 1872, the group has evolved across generations, guided by continuity, discipline, and long-term vision.
From the 1990s, under the leadership of Braj Binani, the business grew into one of India’s leading conglomerates, with a strong global footprint in trading, industrial commodities, and construction. A deep understanding of international markets, combined with financial strength and operational expertise, enabled sustained expansion across key regions worldwide.
Identifying emerging opportunities and unlocking value has become integral to the family’s approach. Today, NOVUS is focused on the UK, growing a carefully curated portfolio through partnerships that reflect shared values, strategic alignment, and a commitment to excellence. Our current focus includes luxury real estate development and forward-thinking wellness ventures, with an emphasis on quality, design integrity, and long-term impact.
MR. BRAJ BINANI
MANAGING DIRECTOR
A fourth-generation entrepreneur, he successfully built what was to become Binani Industries Limited, one of India’s most well-known and respected global conglomerates. With operations spanning India, China, Dubai and Europe, it was valued at US$1.6bn. With150-year heritage and businesses, predominantly in cement, zinc and glass fibre manufacturing and supply and infrastructure development, the family have had close ties with the UK since the 1950’s. It is here that Braj is directing the investments of NOVUS UK into luxury real estate and cutting-edge Health and Wellbeing ventures. Whilst ‘Wellness’ might appear a surprising area for investment, Braj realised the importance of his own health as a young man. It has been of increasing interest and investment personally over the years and now an area which continues to grow apace both in the UK and globally.
Understated, courageous and visionary, Braj has an ability to identify talented individuals to grow his investments. A family man, who is ‘building a secure future for generations to come’.
SANDRA C. VAZQUEZ
BOARD MEMBER
Sandra C. Vazquez holds a Degree in Law from the University of Fribourg, Switzerland, a Master’s degree in Finance, and board member certification from the University of Rochester and the University of Bern. Her academic background is complemented by a distinguished international career advising globally operating families and complex business structures.
She brings significant long-term experience to NOVUS UK, having worked across multiple jurisdictions in finance, banking, tax, and legal advisory. This breadth of exposure enables her to support businesses navigating cross-border operations, regulatory complexity, and generational transitions with clarity and confidence.
Today, Sandra’s work is centred on her role as a Board Member and senior adviser, where she focuses on long-term strategic direction, succession planning, and the design and implementation of robust governance frameworks. Her approach combines technical rigour with a strong understanding of family dynamics, ensuring sustainable decision-making and continuity across generations.
Sandra is multilingual and fluent in German, Spanish, English, French, Italian, and Portuguese, allowing her to work seamlessly with international stakeholders and partners.
SIMON STUDHOLME WILSON
BOARD MEMBER
Simon Studholme Wilson spent five decades in banking, building extensive expertise across both international and private banking sectors. His career included senior roles with leading financial institutions in Asia, India, the Gulf, and the UK, giving him a broad and practical understanding of global financial markets.
He brings to NOVUS UK a strong network of international relationships across financial and private commerce, alongside deep knowledge of risk analysis and corporate finance. This combination of strategic insight and hands-on experience supports informed decision-making and disciplined growth.
Before his banking career, Simon served as an officer in the British Army, an experience that shaped his leadership style, strategic thinking, and commitment to integrity and responsibility.