awards
& accolades
Imran's work on the iTeddy brand has earned him awards such as Toy Inventor of the Year, and IOD’s NorthWest Young Director of the Year. Imran received an Honorary Doctorate in Enterprise and Innovation from the University of Bolton and in 2016 he was awarded a medal by the University of Manchester for his work in nurturing entrepreneurship.
Imran’s main business, Hakim Group saw double in 2018, when it was crowned as the UK’s best company to work for, at the same time he was also awarded Best Leader on the Sunday Times Top 100 list, which contained some of the leading CEOs in the UK. In 2019, Imran won the Overall UK award for EY Scale-up Business of the year.
Awards & Accolades
In 2024, Hakim Group was recognised as one of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work - it also received a Spotlight Award for best places to work for ethnic minorities – and was recently named Healthcare Business of the Year in the Growing Business Awards.
UK's best Company to Work For (Sunday Times)
Hakim Group named in the Sunday Times Best Places to Work list. The Hakim Group was also Highly Commended as one of the Best Places to Work for Ethnic Minorities.
Liverymen by The Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers, 2023
Imran’s passion for the optical community shines through in his continued contributions within the industry, being granted the esteemed title of Liverymen by The Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers in December 2023, an institution dedicated to the mission of “Better Vision for All”.
EY Entrepreneur of the Year Awards, 2019
In 2019, Imran was named as the winner of the Scale Up Award at the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Awards for his role as CEO of the Hakim Group. The Scale Up category specifically recognises businesses who are experiencing rapid growth.
Honorary Doctorate from the University of Bolton, 2009
In 2009, Imran was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Bolton for his outstanding contribution to business and innovation.
Mosaic Science & Technology Award, 2008
In recognition of his success with the iTeddy, as well as for owning a chain of optometry practices across the North West, Imran was one of 31 finalists and was presented the award by the Prince of Wales at the Natural History Museum in London.
Young Achiever of the Year, 2008
In November 2008, Imran was awarded the PwC Young Achiever of the Year at the Eastern Eye Asian Business Awards held in Wembley Stadium, London.
North West Young Director of the Year, 2008
Imran's work on the iTeddy brand has earned him several awards including the IOD's North West Young Director of the Year in 2008.
Start-up Business of the Year, 2008
Imran's work on the iTeddy brand has earned him several awards including Start-up Business of the Year in 2008.
World Toy Innovation, 2008
Imran's work on the iTeddy brand has earned him several awards including Toy Inventor of the Year 2007.
Fusion Entrepreneur of the Year, 2007
In 2007, Imran won Fusion Entrepreneur of the Year.
Technology, Design, and Innovation Award, 2007
Winner of the Technology, Design, and Innovation Award for the iTeddy at the Bolton and Bury Business Awards, 2007.
Young Entrepreneur of the Year, 2006
In June 2006, Imran was named as Young Entrepreneur of the Year at the Bolton and Bury Business Awards.
Best Newcomer to Vision Express, 2005
At the start of his career in optics, Imran was awarded Best Newcomer to Vision Express in 2005.
