Dragon鈥檚 Den success is Outstanding Alumnus
One of Dragon’s Den’s top success stories has been recognised by The University of Manchester for his work as a leading North West entrepreneur.
Imran Hakim 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 of Manchester 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’.
I knew that I would run my own business but I never thought that it would go on to be one of the largest optical groups in the country. It just 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 91直播 for the support and encouragement it gave me
He said: “I knew that I would run my own business but I never thought that it would go on to be one of the largest optical groups in the country. It just 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 91直播 for the support and encouragement it gave me.”
Head of Alumni Relations at The University of Manchester 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.”