A CHESTER businessman will be attending the UK's largest diversity awards after being nominated for Entrepreneur of Excellence and Positive Role Model for Race, Religion & Faith.
Imran Savas is in contention for two prizes at The National Diversity Awards, which are to be held at Liverpool's Anglican Cathedral on September 16.
The prestigious black-tie event recognises nominees in their respective fields of diversity including age, disability, gender, race, faith, religion, and sexual orientation.
"I created Tape UK to inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more," Imran said of the accounting, marketing and IT services company.
"The system is not built for working class or diverse individuals to become inspired. The humble beginnings that I came from saw me raised in an environment where not a lot of people amounted to much.
"You go to school, college, maybe university and start working a 9-5pm. The chances of becoming a ‘someone’ was slim.
"Business plays a vital role in our lives and can motivate and inspire people to be the leaders that we wish we had.
"When I was a child, I found it hard to relate to successful people as none of them looked or spoke like me. With someone like me being in business, it can inspire someone to become someone."
"If I remain visible, a person may want to reach my level or even better, surpass which will make for a greater society as it is very important to help people who look like you, get into the rooms that you once struggled to get into."
Coming from humble beginnings that included an immigrant working-class family, single mother, free school dinners and social housing, Imran gained a wealth of knowledge and experience in the world of finance and in 2019 he turned his attention, passion, and dedication to impact the world in a positive way by creating Tape UK.
Imran founded Tape UK without the support of a loan, outside investment, or partners. The business has built its reputation for its outstanding service as well as it's values and beliefs that have been at the forefront of its founder's vision for an inclusive society.
Imran thoroughly believes that diversity and inclusion are essential in business today and can help create an unbiased society. Imran’s motivational and inspirational work was noticed within one year of Tape UK being in operation as he was invited to give a TED Talk.
He has generated a solid social media following with over 100k followers on his personal Instagram account (@byimransavas) alone which has been used to educate, inspire, and raise awareness on sensitive topics such as racism, mental health, and charitable causes.
With his down-to-earth nature, generous and ongoing efforts to positively impact society, Imran has appeared on television, radio and been invited to universities, schools, and national businesses to discuss effective leadership and the vital importance of community and inclusivity.
In 2023, Imran was recently immortalised in Lego in the New Chester Market display to highlight his contribution to the city of his birth and work that he continues to provide to Chester and beyond.
ITV News will be working in association with The National Diversity Awards to highlight role models and community organisations on regional and national news channels.
Rachel Corp, Acting Editor, ITV News said: "We are pleased that ITV News will once again be supporting the National Diversity Awards. ITV News remains committed to telling the stories of those, who through their work and dedication to helping others have made a difference; enhancing equality, diversity and inclusion in our society."
The UK’s largest diversity awards has attracted a growing list of supporters including Adam Hills, Graham Norton and Katie Piper.
Sir Lenny Henry CBE, last year’s winner of the Celebrity of the Year gong said: "Diversity to me means involving everybody without any discrimination; its means having integrated groups in society, it means fairness and total inclusion and that’s what the National Diversity Awards are about. Congratulations to everyone who has been nominated, you’re all doing a fantastic job, rock on!"
National Diversity Awards Founder & CEO Paul Sesay said: "As we enter our 11th awards season, The National Diversity Awards prepare to welcome a host of outstanding role models and charities to our family. We look to those who represent progress, spirit and resilience, and I cannot wait to learn about the wonderful work being carried out this year."
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