A SOLIHULL financier has been handed a top award for outstanding achievements in business and dedication to helping others achieve success.
Sultan Choudhury was honoured with the Tun Dr Mahathir Bin Mohamad Leadership Award at this year’s Islam Channel Business Awards.
The executive chairman of Offa – the UK’s first Sharia-compliant bridge finance provider – was presented with his award by former finance minister Sir Stephen Timms MP and Adi Affendi Abdul Halim, the minister (Political) at the Malaysian Embassy in London during a special ceremony in the capital.
The leadership award is named after the longest serving Prime Minister of Malaysia, who inspired millions by transforming the country’s economy whilst also championing education and the elimination of poverty.
Now in its third year, the awards recognise the accomplishments of British Muslim entrepreneurs and serve as inspiration for future generations to excel in the business world.
Sultan received one of the major prizes of the night, the Tun Dr Mahathir Bin Mohamad Leadership Award 2024, in recognition of being “a leader providing guidance and support to British Muslims, whilst also developing innovative approaches to business”
During his acceptance speech, Sultan said he had always been involved in charity and urged the award winners to “give back, as part of the leadership values adopted by Muslims”.
Sultan said: “You are rewarded immensely for the time you give by seeing the achievements of others.
“It is important for Muslim entrepreneurs to combine their enthusiasm and innovation with the experience of mentors and truly benefit through this wise path.
“I am honoured to have received this award and hope it serves to inspire and motivate future generations of budding entrepreneurs across the country.”
Sultan and his colleague Sagheer Malik, Offa’s Chief Commercial Officer, sat as part of a panel of 14 judges to select this year’s winners, with more than 100 exceptional businesses shortlisted for the awards across 21 different categories.
They were judges for the Businesswoman of the Year (Sumayah Saadi, CEO of Sumayah), Fashion Business of the Year (Aab) and Large Business of the Year Award (Euro Foods Group).
The event was attended by a number of special guests including former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, leader of the Liberal Democrats Ed Davey, and dignitaries and ambassadors including His Excellency Husam Zomlot, Palestinian Ambassador to the UK.
