Hello!
Let's talk,
I'm Safaraz Ali, Award Winning Social Entrepreneur, Business Investor, Author & Mentor.

Learn All About Me.

because everything starts with a conversation.
ABOUT ME

SAFARAZ ALI

Hello, I’m Safaraz Ali (Saf). I am intensely proud of the people I work with and the achievements we’ve created together as a team. The outcomes we strive for are always about making a meaningful difference. That is why some people call me a MAD (Make A Difference) entrepreneur, although I personally prefer the phrase social entrepreneur.

I have spent over 25 years as a social entrepreneur, social impact investor, founder, and CEO. My journey has taught me that to remain relevant we must stay open: open to new ideas, to collaboration, to sharing, and to learning. I see myself as a lifelong learner, which is why I write, podcast, and actively engage with others. I am genuinely curious and inquisitive, always striving to do the right thing in everything I do.

I believe in working with the right people in the right way. I am open to acquisitions, partnerships, and collaborations that share the same values of purpose, trust, and long-term impact. For me, business is not about chasing profit for profit’s sake. It is about profit with purpose, a powerful combination that, when done well, creates a win–win for business, people, and society.

In my view, and from experience, business is at its core a constant cycle of challenges - a “problem fest” where complexities, decisions, and disruptions are part of everyday life. Whether those challenges arise from financial pressures, partner disputes, internal issues, or external forces, navigating them demands the right balance of strategy and opportunism, combined with foresight, composure under pressure, and the right people around the table. Where I can add value, I will.

I am naturally open-minded and committed to making a positive impact in all that I do. So, if we are not already connected, let us connect.

Safaraz Ali
BUT

WHO AM I?

Beyond being a social impact investor, founder, and CEO, I am a family man, a community man, and someone passionate about developing and growing people. I am committed to making a meaningful difference and believe that every challenge carries the potential for solutions, growth, and impact.

I see myself as someone who not only can help but genuinely wants to help - whether through sharing experience, connecting people, or creating opportunities. My mantra is simple: “Stay relevant, stay curious.” For me, success is not just about profit but about profit with purpose -using business as a force for good.

If you are seeking solutions, growth, and purposeful connections, I would be glad to hear from you.

MY PODCASTS

I host Canny Conversations, a podcast where I engage in thought-leadership conversations with notable guests who share profound insights and perspectives. These canny conversations are designed to challenge, inspire, and genuinely captivate.

If you’d like to share your story, I’d be delighted to have you as a guest — or perhaps join you on your platform.

MY VIDEOS

I have some videos on the website but most of them are on my YouTube channel where I share a range of business self-help videos under the Canny Bites brand, created to accompany my books and provide practical, bite-sized insights for leaders and entrepreneurs. The channel also features thought-provoking conversations on business, skills, and entrepreneurship.

I am always open to video interviews and new collaborations.

MY ARTICLES

I am a regular contributor to Business Influencer Magazine, and my insights have also been featured in Birmingham Business Magazine, FE News and more.

I am also the author of the Canny Bites books, offering practical, bite-sized advice for leaders and entrepreneurs.

SAFARAZ ALI

Here to Help.

1

Social Entrepreneur, CEO & Business Leader

I am an active and invested investor, having incubated as well as turned around a number of businesses that would be regarded as social impact enterprises in the field of skills, employability, social care, recruitment and recently digital and technology platforms.

The businesses I am directly involved with presently turnover more than £30 Million annually and employ just over 1000 people and make a difference to people daily. I am presently in leadership and board level positions in over 5 businesses including being the current CEO of Pathway Group, the Chair of Nationwide Care Services Limited, Founder and Chair of the Multicultural Apprenticeship Alliance and Awards, Founder of Thinkfest Limited and Managing Director of F5 Foster Care Ltd: Amongst a few others.

I'm an Honorary Associate and Entrepreneur in Residence at the Open University. I offer strategic guidance and investment insights to businesses in social care, recruitment and government funded skills and employability sector. My forte lies in crafting scale-up strategies, expertly navigating business issues and opportunities and all things people and people related matters.

2

Business Investor, Acquisition Entrepreneur and Problem Solver

I am open to and believe in acquisition entrepreneurship, but always this being done ethically and creating a true win-win-win approach. My 'Buy and Build' strategy focuses on helping businesses grow and reach their full potential, rather than asset stripping them. I understand the hard work and dedication that goes into building a business, and I believe that every business deserves a chance to thrive.

I approach every acquisition with respect, professionalism, and courtesy and understand that the process of selling a business can be a difficult one, and I strive to make it as smooth and stress-free as possible.

I will work closely with business owners to understand their goals and objectives and will tailor our approach to meet your needs and that every business we acquire has the opportunity to thrive.

3

Non-Executive Director, Volunteering and Judging Roles

I am a Non-Executive Director of ERSA, the Employment Related Services Association which is the trade membership body for the employment support sector and our members span the private, public, and voluntary sectors. I have previously been involved with a number of third sector organisations regionally in the West Midlands and I have been dealing with forming strategic alliances, turnaround operations, recruitment of board members and a CEO as well as participating in an Audit and transaction committee, being a member of remuneration and interview panel and also a member of performance sub-committee. I am a Fellow of the Institute of Employability Professionals, the Group Lead for the British Asian Business Community Special Interest Group for the Institute of Directors (IOD) and the Chair of the Conservative Friends of Small Business in the Heartlands regions.

I am the Founding Chair of the Junior Academy of Birmingham Sports (JABS) B8 and an Ambassador for Birmingham Youth Sports Academy (BYSA) as well Founder and Chair of Multicultural Apprenticeship Alliance and Awards. I am proud to serve as a Judge for the following awards: Innovation Awards, Birmingham Awards, Signature Awards, Nachural Entrepreneurship Awards, National Apprenticeship Awards as well as the Prestigious Great British Entrepreneur Awards as well

4

Panel Speaker, Media Appearances and Guest Contributor

I have experience of speaking at both regional and national events on topics such as diversity, skills and employability and entrepreneurship. I have spoken and appeared at Skills World Live, AELP autumn conference, Apprenticeships4England, AOC National Conference on Equality Diversity and Inclusion.

I regularly contribute to local radio stations and TV channels and have been featured in The Sunday Times for an article titled: “Licensed to Skill” Why vocational learning is the secret to a happier and more productive workforce. The Birmingham Business Magazine also featured me under the title “The pathway to success” and FE WEEK under the title “The DfE's blanket Strategy is cloth-eared” where I speak about the government’s strategy to increase BAME participation in further and higher education which ignores important differences between ethnic groups. I write regularly for The Business Influencer Magazine, FE News. I am always open to being approached for podcasts and guest appearances and contributions. I am available to provide informed comment and insight for all media, print, radio, television and digital on specialist topics such as Personal development and lifelong learning, Welfare, and social care. Diversity and inclusion as well as growing and scaling businesses.

BUSINESS BRAND STORIES

With a keen interest and passion for business, I am proud to have personal interested in a number of successful businesses.

Safaraz Ali

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Some quick information on things I am asked for all the time, if your business or event is in need of  a local, high profile business and investment professional then read on..

I am proud to be an investor in business and people. But always on the look out for new opportunities so don’t be shy, get in touch to see how I could add value to your business. 

Do you produce a regular podcast and need an experienced business professional and social entrepreneur? I have appeared as a guest on many podcasts and even run my own. 

Regularly interviewed, I have experience with the media and don’t shy away from appearances for interview at media events. 

With involvement in many business events as a sponsor & Judge, these include: The Birmingham Awards, Business Book Awards, BAME Apprenticeship Awards, Festival of Apprenticeships and more. 

With experience of speaking on a panel, I am frequently requested to provide expertise at live events and business workshops.

Safaraz Ali

VALUED TESTIMONIALS...

i have the pleasure in working with some of the UK's leading business professionals and mentors.

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    FEATURED INSIGHTS

    Read a selection of my thoughts, views and insights that strive to make an impact. 

    Great people make great businesses...

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    Crisis? What Crisis?

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    It starts with trust and grows because of trust.

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    Every problem in business is a people problem.

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    Power to the People.

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    Scaling a Business: best way ahead and common pitfalls.

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    Why more business leaders should write.

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    Are you failing your Managers?

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    Thinking about scaling your business?

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    HAVE ANY QUESTIONS?

    Are you working in the Apprenticeship or FE Sector?
    Do you run a business with potential but in need of investment?
    Looking for a Judge for a business awards event?

    All questions are welcome.

      LATEST NEWS

      Get the latest from Safaraz Ali's publications, news, events, podcasts, book releases and he's thoughts.