BUSINESS PERSONALITY
Sir Anwar Pervez
Since Winning the EMMA Award
Sir Anwar Pervez is a British-Pakistani businessman who has solidified his position as one of the UK’s most successful entrepreneurs and expanded his business empire into new and diverse sectors.
Under his leadership, Bestway Group has grown significantly, acquiring several well-known businesses, including the frozen food chain Iceland in 2012 and a stake in the Home Retail Group. Anwar’s focus on diversification helped Bestway to become the UK’s second-largest wholesaler and a leading player in the retail industry today.
Anwar also played a crucial role in the 2006 foundation of the Bank of London and the Middle East (BLME), helping to provide a significant presence in the Islamic banking sector in the UK. His success has been accompanied by a strong commitment to philanthropy, particularly in education, healthcare, and community development.
Through the Bestway Foundation, Anwar has donated millions of pounds to a range of charitable causes, such as the development of schools in Pakistan and supporting numerous British charities. His contributions to both the UK economy and international markets have earned him numerous accolades, including being named in the Sunday Times Rich List and receiving several honorary doctorates.
Sir Anwar Pervez’s unwavering commitment to social responsibility and entrepreneurship has cemented his continued influence in the business and charitable sectors. He remains active in expanding Bestway’s reach globally and promoting community development.
Background (Before 1999)
Mohammed Anwar Pervez was born on 24 November 1935 in Rawalpindi, British India (now known as Pakistan). He moved to the UK in 1956 with limited financial resources and worked as a bus conductor. Over time, Anwar built a successful career in the retail sector that led to the foundation of the Bestway Group in 1976, which he started as a wholesale cash-and-carry business.
Anwar’s business acumen and determination led to the company’s expansion, transforming it into one of the UK’s largest independent wholesale distributors. Bestway’s success was built on serving the diverse needs of local communities, and Anwar’s strong work ethic and commitment to providing quality products at competitive prices played a central role in the company’s growth.
By the end of the 1990s, Anwar had built a thriving business empire and earned a reputation as a trailblazer among ethnic minority entrepreneurs in the UK. He had received the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1992 for his business and philanthropic contribution to British society.
In 1999, Anwar was knighted for his entrepreneurial success and contributions to the British economy, becoming one of the most prominent South Asian business figures in the UK. The same year, he received his EMMA recognition.
