A high achieving entrepreneur, who arrived in the UK from Malawi more than 47 years ago, has been honoured during a special Civic Reception hosted by Leeds City Council this month. 

Nazir Ahmed, alongside his wife and business confidant, Razia Ahmed, was officially recognised for their outstanding contribution to the City through The Parklane Group and its philanthropic arm, The Parklane Foundation.

Established in Leeds from the purchase of Mr and Mrs Ahmed’s first UK home in 1977, the Parklane Group has grown exponentially to become an award winning market leader employing over 350 people across a substantial property holding.

Launched in 2005 The Parklane Foundation was born out of an inherent desire to help build better futures within local communities through fundraising initiatives, community-inspired projects, and national charity partnerships. Since inception, the Foundation has donated hundreds of thousands of pounds to charitable causes in the UK and overseas. 

Its current focus is on children and young people, improving educational attainment, access to sport, and homelessness.  It also supports causes in Malawi, one of the most deprived countries in Africa, through instigating micro finance, water irrigation and housing projects to assist poor and homeless communities.

The special ceremony took place at the prestigious Civic Hall in Leeds and was attended by Councillor Alison Garthwaite – Lord Mayor of Leeds, Zulfi Karim DL., High Sheriff of West Yorkshire, and Tom Riordan CBE – Chief Executive of Leeds City Council. Tributes were also delivered by the three sons of Mr and Mrs Ahmed, Naveen, Nadeen and Sameer who now lead the business and Foundation ventures.

At the event, Mr Ahmed delivered a captivating speech, providing a glimpse into an incredible journey of professional accomplishments over four decades and the Ahmed family’s dedication to making a positive impact on the local community in Leeds. 

Mr Ahmed said: “I am truly honoured to receive this recognition alongside by wife who has been my life partner through not only raising our beloved family but also creating a lasting legacy through Parklane and the Foundation.

Strong family values remain at the heart of everything that we do at the Parklane Group and we are determined to use our resources to deliver real change across society and support those less privileged than us.”