Safaraz Ali
In recognition of his over two decades of dedication to social entrepreneurship, Safaraz Ali has been honoured as Social Entrepreneur of the Year 2024 by British Asians Who’s Who. This accolade celebrates his commitment to creating impactful change and advancing social mobility through skills and employment opportunities.
Safaraz began his journey in social entrepreneurship in 2000 with the co-founding of Pathway Group, an organisation that has significantly influenced the landscape of employability and skills development in England. As CEO, Safaraz has led Pathway Group to focus on not only providing extensive impactful skills and employability programmes but also on addressing the unique challenges faced by underrepresented communities, particularly in the inner-city areas.
The Multicultural Apprenticeship Awards initiated original as Asian Apprenticeship Awards by Safaraz in 2016 and then later changed to BAME Apprenticeship Awards stand out as a cornerstone of his legacy. These awards were original created in response to the low uptake of apprenticeships among British Asians, fuelled by a cultural misconception that saw university education as the sole path to success. Through these awards, Safaraz has effectively increased awareness and appreciation for apprenticeships, changing perceptions and fostering opportunities for thousands of apprentices and hundreds of organisations, including major entities like BT and the Royal Navy.
These awards, and the broader work through the Multicultural Apprenticeship & Skills Alliance, aim not only to celebrate the achievements of apprentices from diverse backgrounds but also to catalyse a broader acceptance and engagement with apprenticeship pathways. Safaraz’s vision was clear: to open up new avenues for Multiculturism and to encourage employers to harness this untapped potential, thus supporting the UK government’s goal of increasing social mobility.
Moreover, Safaraz’s commitment extends beyond training and education. He is also the co-founder of Nationwide Care Services, a home care enterprise with a £20 million turnover, and Nationwide Care Pharmacy, which simplifies medication distribution with over 25,000 prescriptions delivered monthly. These ventures underscore his holistic approach to social entrepreneurship, which encompasses health, education, and workforce development.
Reflecting on his award, Safaraz said, “This recognition reaffirms our mission through our various Multicultural initiatives to continually foster environments where diversity and opportunity thrive. It is not just a personal accolade but a testament to the collective effort of all those who share our vision for a more inclusive society.”
Safaraz Ali’s relentless pursuit of social impact through business excellence and innovation has not only transformed lives but has also set a high standard for what it means to be a leader in the social entrepreneurial space. This prestigious recognition from British Asians Who’s Who is a fitting acknowledgment of his significant contributions to the community and the economy at large.
The prestigious Social Entrepreneur of the Year award was presented to Safaraz Ali at a distinguished ceremony held at the House of Commons, underscoring the national importance and recognition of his efforts. This esteemed venue provided a fitting backdrop for celebrating Safaraz’s transformative impact on society, marking a significant moment in his illustrious career dedicated to advancing social entrepreneurship.
