Safaraz Ali Celebrated as Social Entrepreneur of the Year 2024
We are proud to announce that Safaraz Ali, the visionary co-founder and CEO of Pathway Group, has been honoured with the prestigious title of Social Entrepreneur of the Year 2024 by British Asians Who’s Who. This recognition was fittingly bestowed at a distinguished ceremony held at the House of Commons, underscoring the national significance of his contributions and the broad recognition of his efforts.
For over twenty-two years, Safaraz has been instrumental in driving social change and enhancing lives through innovative skills development and employability initiatives. Under his leadership, Pathway Group has flourished despite all the challenges in funding and the macro landscape, expanding its reach and impact across a number of regions in England, particularly focussing in inner-city and underserved areas. The organisation’s commitment to not only providing extensive training programmes but also to addressing the unique challenges faced by underrepresented communities is a testament to Safaraz’s dedication.
A pivotal part of Safaraz’s impact has been through the Multicultural Apprenticeship Awards initiated in 2016, originally as the Asian Apprenticeship Awards and later evolving to address a wider remit, these awards have significantly increased awareness and appreciation for apprenticeships among British Asians. By challenging cultural misconceptions that traditionally favoured university education, these awards and the Alliance have opened new pathways for thousands of apprentices and hundreds of organisations, including notable names such as BT and the Royal Navy.
These awards, and the broader work through the Multicultural Apprenticeship & Skills Alliance, aim not only to celebrate the achievements of apprentices from diverse backgrounds but also to catalyse a broader acceptance and engagement with apprenticeship pathways. Safaraz’s vision was clear: to open up new avenues for Multiculturism and to encourage employers to harness this untapped potential, thus supporting the UK government’s goal of increasing social mobility.
This recognition is not just a personal accolade but a testament to our collective efforts at Pathway Group to foster an environment where diversity and opportunity thrive. It reaffirms our mission to drive impactful change and advance social mobility through all our initiatives, particularly our Multicultural brands and initiatives.
Safaraz Ali, CEO and Founder of Pathway Group, reflecting on his award
Safaraz’s entrepreneurial spirit extends beyond education and training. He is also the co-founder of Nationwide Care Services and Nationwide Care Pharmacy, enterprises that exemplify his holistic approach to social entrepreneurship by enhancing healthcare delivery and accessibility. These ventures significantly contribute to health, education, and workforce development, underscoring a comprehensive strategy for social betterment.
Pathway Group stands immensely proud of Safaraz Ali’s achievements and is inspired by his unwavering commitment to making a meaningful difference in society. This award from British Asians Who’s Who, presented at the prestigious House of Commons, not only celebrates his past contributions but also heralds the continuing impact of his visionary leadership in the future.