From an early age, Imran knew he wanted to run his own business. He started his first business, aged 15. Within days, he was trading in computer equipment, selling to college teachers and the local community. As he neared the end of his college education, he faced a tough decision, whether to grow the business or study to become an Optometrist at University. Unable to choose, he decided to do both.

Having qualified as an optometrist, Imran has gone on to build a portfolio of businesses. Imran came into the media eye in when he appeared on BBC’s Dragons Den with his innovative iTeddy concept. Having secured investment, he joined forces with Peter Jones and Theo Paphitis to create one of the biggest successes the den has seen to date. Imran went on to sign a worldwide distribution deal seeing the business reach the shores of 45 countries globally.

Imran has won many business awards over the years. He received an Honorary Doctorate in Enterprise and Innovation as well as making Growing Business’s list of top 40 entrepreneurs in the country under the age of 35. In 2016 he was awarded a medal by University of Manchester for his work nurturing entrepreneurship.

In 2018 Hakim Group saw double, being crowned as NUMBER 1 - the UK’s best company to work for, as well as Imran picking up the award for best business leader.

Imran loves to encourage entrepreneurship through mentoring and various ambassadorial roles. He is a longstanding member of TIE entrepreneurs and a member of the Prince’s Trust Founders Circle working with His Royal Highness Prince Charles to eradicate poverty across communities in Asia.