Some of the most prominent Muslim businesses in the UK were at the Islam Channel Business Awards last Friday.
The prestigious event, held at the Hilton London Metropole, saw around 1000 esteemed figures in attendance, including business leaders, politicians, ambassadors and prominent personalities.
Hosted by the BBC’s Asad Ahmad, the night included world-class entertainment and inspirational speeches, with Islam Channel’s founder Mohamed Ali Harrath emphasising why it is important to recognise and celebrate Muslim businesses.
Property entrepreneur and philanthropist Asif Aziz received the Tun Dr Mahathir Bin Mohamad, Leadership Award. His charitable foundation, Aziz Foundation, works towards improving access to postgraduate education for Muslims.
Tea and food retailer Chaiiwala won Islam Channel Founder’s Award – Business of the Year, while the Lifetime Achievement in Business Award went to Meher Nawab from London Hotel Group.
Blackburn Rovers football club bagged the Ihsan Award for Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion. The award recognises non-Muslim businesses that make Muslims feel genuinely welcome in the workplace.
Congratulations to all the finalists. Here is the full list of winners:
- Asif Aziz — Tun Dr Mahathir Bin Mohamad Leadership Award
- Islamic Finance Guru— Start-up Business of the Year (sponsored by Broadway City)
- London Tea Exchange — Food & Beverage Business of the Year (sponsored by Zabiha Group)
- The Craft Studio — Small Business of the Year (sponsored by Emaar Al Diyafa)
- Crep Protect — Medium Sized Business of the Year (sponsored by Ekram World)
- IFAAS — Professional Services Business of the Year (sponsored by Wise Utility)
- Sanzaa — ‘Fashion Business of the Year (sponsored by Drop Away – Asian)
- Chaiiwala — Islam Channel Founder’s Award – Business of the Year
- Dentistry For You — Family Business of the Year (sponsored by Steakout)
- Wahed — Financial Services Business of the Year
- Yielders — Real Estate Business of the Year (sponsored by Islamic Centre Of Britain)
- Dome Tours — Travel & Tourism Business of the Year (sponsored by Turkish Airlines)
- MyJam — Rising Star Award
- Spice Village Group — Resilience Award
- Blackburn Rovers football — Ihsan Award for Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion (sponsored by WuduMate)
- Meher Nawab, London Hotel Group — Lifetime Achievement in Business Award
- Mubarak London — Micro Business of the Year (sponsored by Homekooc)
- Muzz — Technology Business of the Year
- Grace & Poise Academy — Community Business of the Year (sponsored by Dentistry For You)
- Mohammed Rasul, Artz-i — Businessman of the Year
- Farzana Rahman — Businesswoman of the Year (sponsored by Salams)
Highlights from social media on the night
The BBC’s Asad Ahmad is our host for the evening and he begins the #ICawards pic.twitter.com/oRAJfVvOmW
— Islam Channel (@Islamchannel) November 18, 2022
We start with the recitation of the Quran and its translation from Uzair Abdussamad and @DrMusharrafH
#ICawards pic.twitter.com/4Mt5FPeBiZ
— Islam Channel (@Islamchannel) November 18, 2022
Islam Channel’s founder Mohamed Ali Harrath takes the stage to talk about the importance of celebrating Muslim businesses.
We also saw a showreel highlighting Islam Channel’s journey over the past 18 years. Find out more about our history: https://t.co/U0QLQQW9PS
#ICawards pic.twitter.com/c27DKh0F3m
— Islam Channel (@Islamchannel) November 18, 2022
Our headline partner @Al_RayanBank takes the stage. Maisam Fazal talks about the bank’s history and how it has been a pioneer in Islamic finance.
Also, the head of our judging panel Sir Iqbal Sacranie OBE congratulates all the #ICawards finalists pic.twitter.com/kQ2xXDg44Q
— Islam Channel (@Islamchannel) November 18, 2022
We have a brief interlude now on the award-giving for some nasheeds. Performing on stage is Abdesselam Bassou & the Al-Nour Band
#ICawards pic.twitter.com/3KMuMNKYTn— Islam Channel (@Islamchannel) November 18, 2022
Excited to hear about the winners of the @Islamchannel Business Awards here at the Hilton Metropole.
So many great #muslim entrepreneurs, innovators and philanthropists who are contributing to London’s economy. Thank you for giving this city so much. pic.twitter.com/QA5yoJzegA
— Cllr Hina Bokhari AM 🔶 (@HinaBokhariLD) November 18, 2022
At the @Islamchannel business awards pic.twitter.com/jwVT4advgz
— Muslimah Sports Association (MSA) (@MuslimahAsso) November 18, 2022
Bringing the laughs on stage now is stand-up comic @fatihaelghorri
#ICawards pic.twitter.com/uq6xFLyi0s— Islam Channel (@Islamchannel) November 18, 2022
Thank you Almighty Allah! Another one🙏 @Islamchannel pic.twitter.com/QYDl6GTnLF
— Suleman Raza MBE (@iamsulemanraza) November 18, 2022
🙌 Everyone at Blackburn Rovers is proud to have been recognised for ‘Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion’ at the @Islamchannel Business Awards! #Rovers 🔵⚪️ https://t.co/si1OWXZyx0
— Blackburn Rovers (@Rovers) November 18, 2022
The founder of Islam Channel Mohamed Ali Harrath makes the closing remarks and dua#ICawards pic.twitter.com/zCRk2xrrJZ
— Islam Channel (@Islamchannel) November 18, 2022
We had a brilliant time at the @Islamchannel awards this evening! pic.twitter.com/AdSlwNMOiO
— Muslimah (@muslimah_app) November 18, 2022
Alhamdulillah #icaawards #islamchannel @Islamchannel pic.twitter.com/NADYHdedMT
— Artz-i Islamic Art Gallery (@artzisart) November 18, 2022
Congrats Farzana and @desidollcompany! https://t.co/JaFhN5pkft
— Salams (@SalamsApp) November 18, 2022
The Muslim community have made great strides in business, good to see the entrepreneurial spirit of our community being recognised at the @Islamchannel Business Awards. pic.twitter.com/4HJreMIW4f
— Tufail Hussain (@TufailH) November 18, 2022
And that concludes Islam Channel’s Business Awards.
A big congratulations to all the finalists and winners. And jazakallahu khairan for joining us on this memorable night!
#ICawards pic.twitter.com/OMOTHZoxRx— Islam Channel (@Islamchannel) November 18, 2022