Founder of the Year Award Winner Safaraz Ali
As a founder, Safaraz Ali embodies the skills and vision essential for launching and sustaining impactful ventures. Awarded the Founder of the Year, Safaraz has leveraged his expertise in social enterprise to drive diversity and inclusion, creating a profound social impact across the UK.
Founding an organisation demands a unique blend of resilience, foresight, and adaptability. Safaraz’s journey as a founder has been grounded in his ability to navigate challenges, see potential where others might overlook it, and rally diverse teams toward a common vision. His entrepreneurial skills have enabled him to build structures that don’t just survive but thrive in a complex social landscape, helping youth and adults alike access skills, employment, and lifelong learning.
With over 24 years dedicated to transforming communities, Safaraz has founded and scaled organisations that deliver crucial services in Social Care, Skills, and Employability , Events, Tech and Membership organisations.
One of his most significant initiatives, the Annual Multicultural Apprenticeship Awards, illustrates his skill in founding platforms that shape entire industries. Recognising a gap in apprenticeship opportunities for BAME communities, Safaraz not only conceptualised but built a platform that has now touched the lives of over 3,000 apprentices and engaged more than 500 organisations. This achievement underscores the strategic acumen and leadership it takes to start an enduring initiative that inspires national change.
“Seeing Safaraz receive the Founder of the Year Award is truly inspiring. It’s been a privilege to work alongside someone so committed to creating positive change and breaking new ground in social enterprise. His vision has always been about more than just business—it’s about building pathways for others to succeed. This recognition speaks to his dedication, but also to the power of teamwork and the shared mission we all strive towards every day.”
Waheed Azam,
Business Partner and Co-founder to Safaraz Ali on many initiatives
Founding a business with purpose goes beyond creating jobs—it’s about building pathways, empowering individuals, and, as Safaraz has demonstrated, sparking change. His role as a founder and CEO is not just about managing organisations; it’s about cultivating skills, fostering resilience, and igniting the spirit of entrepreneurship in others, encouraging them to become change-makers and leaders of tomorrow.
Safaraz’s journey as a founder is a testament to the power of social entrepreneurship. His commitment to promoting social mobility and addressing societal challenges illustrates the kind of leadership and skill required to create ventures that are both profitable and purposeful, with a legacy that endures well beyond the present.
“It’s an honour to be recognised as Founder of the Year, but the real privilege is having an extraordinary team by my side. Together, we’re able to drive change and make a real impact, building something far greater than any individual effort could achieve. Each person brings unique strengths, and it’s the unity, dedication, and passion of this team that fuels our vision. This award is a testament not just to my journey but to the collective commitment we share to create meaningful, lasting change.” Safaraz Ali
Safaraz’s journey as a founder is a testament to the power of social entrepreneurship. His commitment to promoting social mobility and addressing societal challenges illustrates the kind of leadership and skill required to create ventures that are both profitable and purposeful, with a legacy that endures well beyond the present.
