I first had the idea of publishing this book while I was working for Parikiaki newspaper a few years ago...

I approached the editor, my uncle, Kyriacos Tsioupras, and PR Consultant, Sophia Toumazis for their opinions. A number of discussions followed, and with their support, I started collecting material for the profiles. I never imagined at the time that this would become such a big project.

Writers, doctors, actors, politicians, social workers, and footballers - these are just a few of the dozens of professions occupied by Greek Cypriots. The reader will find profiles of the Archbishop of Thyateira and Great Britain, the High Commissioner, Mr Petros Eftychiou and Mr Haris Sophoclides, the President of the National Federation of Cypriots in the United Kingdom. Many people included in the book are virtually unknown among our community in the UK and Cyprus. But I believe they are people we should be proud of and that the least we can do is to acknowledge and recognise them.

The book took more than four years to produce and was a labour of love. I am particularly proud to be able to showcase some of Andy Nicola’s amazing photographs in the picture section of this book and thank his family warmly for this privilege. Many people supported me on this venture - especially Uncle Kyriacos Tsioupras and Sophia Toumazis - and I much appreciate their encouragement. This book is a celebration of what our community has achieved - a kind of social snapshot of where it is today - and one which looks forward to tremendous potential for the future. I hope you will find this book a useful resource.

Michael Yiakoumi, Author and producer