Dragon’s Den success is Outstanding Alumnus

12 Jul 2016

Honour for Imran Hakim, one of the North West’s leading entrepreneurs

One of the top successes from TV entrepreneur contest Dragon’s Den has been recognised by the University for his work as one of the North West’s leading entrepreneurs.

Imran Hakim has been awarded an Outstanding Alumnus Award.

Imran started in business aged just 15, with  a £2,000 loan from his father, but following his BBC appearance went on to secure a worldwide distribution deal covering 45 different countries for his interactive teddy bear, the iTeddy.

Imran graduated from the University in 1999 with a BSc (Hons) Optometry and Vision Sciences.

Since then, he has built a portfolio of businesses, including a chain of optical retail practices, lens laboratory, spectacle frame distribution and interior optical shop-fitters.

The Hakim Group is now the strongest independent optical group in the UK, and is the largest optical group outside of the industry’s ‘big four’.

He said: “I knew that I would run my own business but I never thought that I would go onto big one of the largest optical groups in the country. It just shows reinforces the message that I always preach to our management team: Keep Dreaming, Dream Often and Dream Big!

“I’m delighted the University has acknowledged my work – and I would like to thank Manchester for the support and encouragement it gave me.”

Head of Alumni Relations Claire Kilner said: “While at University, Imran brilliantly juggled the demands of building his business empire, while completing his degree.

“His energy and dedication has seen him win numerous business awards, including a Mosaic Award for Science and Technology from HRH Prince of Wales.

“He has also been a director of entrepreneurship at The University of Manchester Intellectual Property (UMIP) division, helping to turn world-leading research into world-beating companies, products and services. Many congratulations Imran!”