Do you run a small business in the UK and are you asking yourself if it is time to start to recruit…
The first part is to go through a series of questions answering them truthfully and this will then assist you in working out whether
Hello I'm Safaraz Ali (Saf), I am intensely proud of the people I work with & our achievements as a team. The outcomes we strive to achieve together are all about making a meaningful difference. This is one of the reasons why some refer to me as a MAD (Make a Difference) entrepreneur, although the term 'social entrepreneur' is a phrase I personally prefer!
I have spent over 22 years as a social entrepreneur and my time and experience as CEO of Pathway Group has taught me that we all need to stay relevant and that means: being open to new ideas, sharing and learning. The way I demonstrate this is by engaging & continuously learning, I like to think of myself as a lifelong learner and this is one of the reasons why I am podcasting & writing. I am genuinely interested and inquisitive and continuously want to do the right thing in all that I do.
I do believe in profit, but not for profit's sake because like most things in life it's about getting the balance right, this is why profit with purpose is a very powerful combination. I believe that if you can get the right mix of profit with purpose, then it's a real win-win for all.
I am naturally open minded and want to make a positive impact in everything I do, so if we're not already, then let's connect.
I host regular podcasts on a range of business and training sector subjects. Want to be my guest, or perhaps I could be yours?
I am regularly consulted for articles, in the Times, Birmingham Business Magazine and FE Week (and many others).
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.
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.
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
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.
With a keen interest and passion for business, I am proud to have personal interested in a number of successful businesses.
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.
i have the pleasure in working with some of the UK's leading business professionals and mentors.
I can confidently vouch for Safaraz’s business acumen and amicable nature. Pathway Group was one of my first long-term clients, and I have been fortunate enough to liaise with Safaraz directly. Not only has he encouraged me to learn more about the education, training, and health and social care industry, but he has mentored me and offered invaluable advice during the early stages of my business set up.
Saf is dedicated businessman, family man and open minded entrepreneur. He is a driver of self development both in himself and in his employees and takes a keen interest in local community, often getting involved with charities and community projects. It is this that has led him to receive numerous awards both in the world of business and for work and support in the community. He supports local businesses by hosting a free networking event via Pathway2Grow and his popularity amongst all who attend is a reflection of his humble nature.
I have enjoyed working with Safaraz on a number of projects at Pathways. Safaraz is an excellent leader, welcomes new ideas and is willing to go that extra mile to get the best for the company and his staff.
A pleasure working with you Safaraz, Janice
I have known Safaraz since 2006 and have always been impressed with his entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to the third sector.
During his time with The Digbeth Trust we managed to steer through some difficult periods as a consequence of Safaraz and the Board's combined expertise and clear decision making.
I find Safaraz is one of the truly genuine business owners that do what they say and deliver on time.
Safaraz is an inspiring leader and a person I look up to with respect. Safaraz is humble and always ready to help the people around him grow themselves and their businesses.
Safaraz is also a great mentor. Though he did not mentor me for long, he gave me a great audio book "How successful people win", lots of advice and encouraged me to stay true to my path of becoming an entrepreneur. Thank you, Safaraz!
Safaraz for me defines leadership. His ability to see potential in talent and opportunities is inspiring. Having worked for and communicated with Safaraz on my entrepreneurial journey he has always been a huge supporter believing in me when others didn't. A humble but innovative entrepreneur always looking for opportunities to make an impact in the market. As a professional you can't ignore his speed of implementation, he will take an idea and make it happen within a very short space amount of time. I would recommend his services and expertise regardless of the opportunity presented to him
Safaraz Ali is an accomplished Social Entrepreneur and CEO of Pathway Group. He is known for his passion to deliver his missions: 1) changing lives through health, skills, and work and 2) empowering people to become change makers. Safaraz has been an integral member of the business community and has driving societal change through the platforms his positions have allowed.
Safaraz has always been at the forefront of social change. For over twenty years he has championed equality for underrepresented groups and people disadvantaged by financial, health, and social exclusion. He is a tenaciously hard worker who has a strategic vision and passion for fighting for change across several sectors. He is a true leader who has committed his life’s work to help and inspire others to achieve their potential, he is a champion of learning, growth, and opportunity, and it is hard to imagine what the training sector would be like without his leadership.
Safaraz Ali is an accomplished Social Entrepreneur and Change Maker. He has 2 great missions close to his heart; (1) changing lives through health, skills, and work and (2) empowering people to become change makers, which in turn has built his legacy and a ripple effect that champions social mobility and inclusive growth. The work Safaraz has done in the community and for society has touched and impacted the lives of 10’s of thousands across the UK. However, his passion for Health, Education and Work is only half of his mission.
During his work Safaraz has demonstrated to me the tremendous commitment he has to supporting apprentices and learners from the BAME and wider multi-cultural community.
Mr Ali has had a significant impact on the aspirations of individuals in local communities and businesses around the nation. Over 3,000 apprentices have attended the Multicultural Apprenticeship Awards, along with 1,000 finalists over the years and over 500 organisations that have been moved to support this movement and cause.
Safaraz is a leading name on diversity within apprenticeships and social entrepreneurship. I admire his commitment to employability.
I have had the pleasure of being interviewed by Safaraz, as well agreeing to be a Patron for the Asian Apprenticeship Awards going back to 2016. Safaraz is an open-minded person and has supported our charitable and community work since. I am proud to be the Chairman of the Pakistan, India & UK Friendship Forum, and the Conservative Friends of India and the British Sikh Association. Safaraz is first class. He has a good understanding of people and can build rapport quickly and maintain excellent relationships I am proud to know him and support him in his endeavours.
Safaraz Ali is an accomplished Social Entrepreneur and Change Maker. The impact Safaraz has had on local communities across the country, business communities both large and small and families has been recognised and praiseworthy. The aspirations of young people and adults alike have been raised, their hopes, through opportunity, have now been recognised and social and economic mobility opportunities have been relished; all whilst dispelling negativity surrounding Apprenticeships within the Multicultural community.
Safaraz demonstrates to others how important it is to highlight and spotlight the work in this space. We truly believe that Safaraz will not stop until he has broken down all barriers and created true equity.
A true leader comes from taking that understanding and having the courage and work ethic to use continual personal growth, stand aside from the crowd, move into unknown, often daunting, new territory and turn that into positive action.
Safaraz is a remarkable social entrepreneur and skills leader. Throughout the years I’ve known of his work, I have seen his involvement in leading various businesses, projects and causes.
Leave me some details and I will get back to you.
Read a selection of my thoughts, views and insights that strive to make an impact.
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.
Get the latest from Safaraz Ali's publications, news, events, podcasts, book releases and he's thoughts.
The first part is to go through a series of questions answering them truthfully and this will then assist you in working out whether
The unwritten rules in an organisation and its effects I am sure you would have noticed that many people and the media are currently up
Most Business Books don’t work unless you do Most business books don’t work just as knowledge in general as it comes down to simply what