Bestway Group celebrated its 50th anniversary with a glittering celebration at the Royal Albert Hall with 800 guests in attendance.
Paying tribute to founder, Sir Anwar Pervez OBE, H Pk, the event was hosted by Dermot O’Leary and included performances from Katherine Jenkins OBE; Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, who flew in from Pakistan specially for the event; string quartet Escala, accompanied by the Novello Orchestra under the baton of David Mahoney and classical fusion artist, Okiem.
“His is a story of grit, vision and purpose,” said Lord Zameer Choudrey CBE SI (Pk), Chairman of Bestway Group and nephew of Sir Anwar. “From a remote village in rural Pakistan to the founding of Bestway in 1976, Sir Anwar’s journey is not just one of commercial success - but of social upliftment, community investment, and philanthropy. It is our privilege to celebrate him and the 50 years of impact he has inspired.”
Former Prime Minister, The Rt Hon Lord David Cameron was also in attendance to pay tribute to Sir Anwar, calling him “a true British success story whose influence spans continents and generations”.
Highlighting Sir Anwar’s belief in the community and the values that helped rebuild this country with a sense of service that has been one of the secrets of his success, he reinforced the family values reflecting how Sir Anwar, together with his nephew Zameer, and close friend Younus Sheikh, created the family-run firm that today employs over 50,000 people worldwide, “built on trust, respect and shared purpose”.
The night took guests through Sir Anwar’s life including his arrival in Britain in 1956, the opening of his first retail store in 1963 and the launch of Bestway 13 years later. Also highlighted was his commitment to giving back - founded in 1987, the Bestway Foundation has donated over £50m to causes in the UK and abroad, with a focus on Education, Health, and Social Mobility, all issues that sit close to Sir Anwar’s heart.
“Tonight is not only about looking back - it’s about looking forward,” said Lord Choudrey. “Bestway’s story is still being written, and it is one built on the legacy of a man who dared to dream bigger than circumstance.”
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