A leading business figure behind one of the UK’s biggest wholesale businesses has been awarded a top university role. Nasir Awan, chief executive of Awan Marketing and junior vice-president of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, has been named as a Visiting Professor at Birmingham City University – recognising his longstanding experience and expertise in industry.
Based in the historic industrial Birmingham area of Hockley, Awan Marketing was founded in 1976 – building on a retail outlet started by Mr Awan’s late father in 1962.
After joining his father in the business in 1978, Nasir set up a consumer electronics operation with his late brother, named Nazir, which has gone on to become a mainstay of the second city ever since.
The business has grown over four decades – today serving as a key distributor for household brands, imported from offices in China. Established suppliers from Vietnam, Turkey, Sri Lanka, Korea, India, Pakistan, Europe and South America, dealing in stationery, toiletries, hardware, DIY, kitchen products and electronic and domestic appliances also sell their goods through the company.
Mr Awan said: to Asians UK.
“I am honoured to accept this prestigious position at an institution whose mission is ‘transforming lives’.
“I have great admiration for Birmingham City University, which has become a standard bearer for the region not only locally but nationally and internationally.
“BCU resonates with my philosophy that the opportunity to achieve success should be given to all, and students and staff there reflect the demographics of the city in a very positive way.
“I was thrilled to have received the offer of the position and look forward to joining a dynamic team in sharing my practical knowledge and experience with Birmingham City Business School.”
Mr. Awan is a Deputy Lieutenant for the West Midlands and a former president and honorary chairman of the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce.
Professor Julian Beer, deputy vice-chancellor at Birmingham City University, said:
“We are delighted that Nasir will be joining our University, bringing with him a wealth of experience and business acumen that has served our city for decades.
“Nasir is not just a fantastic business person but, a pillar of our communities, a person who stands up and is counted for the forwarding of our shared endeavour for our ambition. A great role model and ambassador for all of us.”