From a humble background, growing up in an East London council flat, Sir Alan Sugar has become a business success story and television sensation, amassing a net worth of GBP830 million. Charlie Burden traces his rags-to-riches story from a childhood boiling beetroots for the local greengrocer to his knighthood and seat at the table of power. His company Amstrad went public in 1980, setting him on the road to riches with a string of successful businesses. In the 1990s, Sir Alan became chairman of Tottenham Hotspur and he has also become famous for his generous nature, which has seen him support Great Ormond Street Hospital, the Jewish Care charity and he has played a key part in the resurrection of the Hackney Empire.