Local BAME business leader Anwar recognised with OBE in Queen’s New Year’s Honours List

Anwar Ali OBE

Anwar Ali, Co-founder and MD of Oldham-based Upturn Enterprise Ltd, was included on the 2021 Queen’s New Year’s Honours List, having been awarded the OBE for ‘Services to Social Enterprise’.

Anwar was born in Ashton and has lived and worked in Greater Manchester all his life.

He established Upturn - a multi award-winning social enterprise that has been unlocking potential since 2004.

Anwar said: “I am immensely proud of this award which I am delighted to accept on behalf of the Upturn family, our partners, clients, key stakeholders and funders (past and present) who continue to believe and back the work we do.

"A special nod to Maria Williams, Upturn’s Co-Founder and Clive Hewson my mentor for everything they do.

"It is greatly appreciated by all of us.

"2021 is going to be a very challenging and difficult year for many people in our communities.

"I truly believe this is the year that all social entrepreneurs and social enterprises across the UK need to step forward, puff out our chests and start that real conversation on how we can work together/collaborate to deliver the real social change that is really needed in our country.

"Let us all build back better together and release the true potential of social enterprises”.   

Upturn supports disadvantaged people, unlocking their talent and potential, and overcoming barriers to social mobility.

Upturn has been helping to improve the lives and create opportunities for people from disadvantaged communities and diverse groups across the North west and beyond, unlocking potential since its inception in 2004.

Always in partnership, Upturn has worked successfully with communities, councils, funders, statutory and voluntary service providers, and the private sector to create winning combinations of skills, resources and know-how that help people create their career pathways, realise their dreams as entrepreneurs.

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