About Me - Safaraz Ali

I am the Founder and CEO of Pathway Group. An organisation that has been aspiring to change people’s lives through skills and work since 2000. As the CEO, I am committed to continual development and growth for myself, my team which is reflected in all aspects of my ethos to business. I see a key part of my role is to nurture and empower a high performing team that is committed to making a meaningful difference in all that they do.

I often describe what Pathway do simply as the ABC approach to help people to secure: “A job, a Better job, then a Career”. Pathway Group have been at the forefront of supporting individuals through their journey into and during employment, delivering qualifications tailored to job outcomes, linked to employers. Pathway do this by having a relentless focus to add value, delivering positive outcomes and ensuring that they put their relationship first, leading them to be your partner of choice.

My pathway to entrepreneurship has not been a conventional one if there is ever such a thing.

I have seen many different sides of society and have changed my mind on many matters during the process – all part of the journey I would say, and each person’s journey is different.

Running any business needs to be a labour of love but labour is most probably the right term particularly if your business initially is a side venture which mine initially was which I ran alongside a full-time job.

Whilst I am not a young man, I feel blessed that I have the wisdom and experience that come with the turn of time and I still feel that I have my best years still in front of me.

The Path to this point has been tough, emotional at times and often dealing with self-doubt but if it wasn’t for some of the highs that you get for many different reasons, from simply winning customers to delivering results, to having made a meaningful difference to someone’s life – I may have literally given up and not just thought many times of doing so.

This is why I say: find your reason to keep going, your purpose behind everything you do, don’t forget how lucky you are even though you often don’t feel it. How lucky we all are wherever we are on our journey in life – it’s a privilege.

I didn’t do well at school not because I wasn’t academic enough or anything like that, but I was a follower and followed bad company and lost my way. I got my GCSE results and even though I didn’t put any effort in I was shocked at my results of getting D’s across the board alongside a dash of two E grades.

Each day is a privilege to bring about change and make a meaningful difference.

I think we all want the same or similar things: have a sense we are contributing and growing, doing something that has a real sense of purpose

I feel blessed that I am able to do what I am doing. Thank you for time, please do get in contact

I have been passionate about driving positive societal change, whether that involves connecting like-minded business to enable change or by giving a voice to those less fortune through my extensive work.

During the time that I have been active in the social entrepreneurship arena, which is from the year 2000, I have made it his mission to network with the region of Greater Birmingham movers and shakers, establishing connections that would quickly become friendships, as shared beliefs about Birmingham’s prodigious potential blossomed.

Forever mixing business with pleasure, I am known to use my contact base and friendships with my general disposition of being quiet, gentle and affable nature to help amplify support for local causes, pushing the envelope forward on social business issues – something that I always make time for.

Staying relevant

Over the years, I have evolved and adapted to remain relevant within the changing business landscape.

Projects and initiatives include:

Multicultural Apprenticeship Awards (previously known as BAME Apprenticeship Awards)
Multicultural Apprenticeship Alliance and the Apprenticeship Diversity and Social Mobility Forum
Festival of Apprenticeships
F5 Fostercare
Nationwide Care Pharmacy
Business Book Awards, co-founder and founding partner

I have been told that I have a recognisable status as an integral member of the local business community, my enthusiastic and open approach, and connections have been pivotal in my present status as being influential and therefore a frequent contributor on platforms such as The Business Influencer Magazine, Local Community Radio stations and TV.

A figurehead for the business community

Understanding business sentiments and the entrepreneurial mindsets and journey, I frequently judge awards and for seven years plus now, I have been part of the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, Signature Awards and Birmingham Awards.

I chair and host mastermind groups and private dinners bringing together business leaders as part of my Quantum Club, private dining by invitation only. The mastermind groups are branded under either our own brand Director2Director or in collaboration with the IOD (where I am a board member).

In addition, I often host high profile introductions amongst West Midlands’ movers and shakers. While some are for the benefit of my clients, or supporters of my events often the introductions that I make are for the greater benefit of business community as a whole.

A holistic approach to business

With a wealth of knowledge about the holistic management of self, I often am regarded as going the extra mile, running regular catchups with each leader at my team at Pathway Group and other associated businesses to provide guidance on a range of issues, should team members want to discuss them. Support in this way nurtures and creates an open, communicative, and supportive working environment that nourishes the team member that I care so deeply about and want to help to reach their personal goals and potential.

Safaraz’s vision for the future

With an unrivalled determination for working in partnership and strategic alliances, My ultimate aim is for local businesses to take advantage of the incredible growth opportunities that present themselves when you choose not to work in silos but to join up. I strongly live in the ethos of the win, win win.

PERSONAL GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT IS

MY PASSION

I am a Birmingham born, businessman, social entrepreneur and author and am passionate about business and staffing at every level. This site is my personal space I hope you find a nugget of information that can help you or your business!

Please feel free to check in again and should you need me, please get in touch, I am always available to talk business, in interviews and as a guest on podcasts.

ARTICLE WRITING

I have written articles for business magazines and guest blogs within my field of expertise across the business sector.

RELATIONSHIP BUILDING

I believe strongly that all businesses are built on relationships, whether with clients suppliers or staff & management.

I mentor many business owners in how to manage this challenging side of work.

PODCASTING

To Pod or Not to Pod! This is what I said to myself prior to stepping into the world of podcasting! I host a number of regular podcasts and am also a guest for many business Podcasters.

CEO, SOCIAL ENTREPRENEUR, MENTOR

CEO of Pathway Group, co founder of Nationwide Care Services. Co-founder and Business Awards Judge and Sponsor. Podcaster, Speaker and Social Entrepreneur.

Canny Bites, 52 Bites of Business Wisdom.

For leaders and entrepreneurs’ is a toolkit for changing your professional life. It is designed to share with busy business people know-how, wisdom, and advice in a way that is memorable and practical.

Canny Bites, another 52 Bites of Business Wisdom.

Another 52 bites of business wisdom for leaders and entrepreneurs’ is an encyclopaedia of practical business tips for today’s professionals dives into the details and know-how needed to be a successful business professional.

Canny Bites, attract. Retain. Grow.

Attract, retain and grow your team to grow your business’ breaks down exactly what you need to get the right people for your business, keep them, and develop & grow your team, from trends in the workplace to business culture, onboarding and much more.

Canny Bites, scale up or exit your business.

The fourth instalment in the Canny Bites series, ‘Successfully Scale Up or Exit Your Business’ helps business owners and leaders know exactly what they need to consider when growing their business. It’s a workbook and a checklist for entrepreneurs to help put the foundations in place ensuring they have the right toolkits making scaling an easier task.

SOME TESTIMONIALS...

I am so grateful to be working with some of the UK's leading industry leaders...

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.

Safaraz is a keen and forward-thinking member of the business community, who is always looking for opportunities to 'give back'. Alongside the primary focus of Pathway Group he has also taken the initiative to create a growing business networking forum, and founded several award ceremonies, to celebrate the work of his peers and associates.

Neely Khan

MD - Neely There Limited

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.

Cathy Kubiak

HR lead for Windsor academy trust previously staff member for pathway group and F5 Foster care

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

Janice Allen

Head of interface solutions at National Highways

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.

Guy Kibbler

Senior Contracts Officer at NHS Birmingham and Solihull

I find Safaraz is one of the truly genuine business owners that do what they say and deliver on time.

Satel Naik

M&A Investor, co-owner Athertons

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!

Matthew Lukanoff

VP of Sales - technology platform

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

Abdul Shakur

Private Finance Business owner