In a dazzling tribute to one of the UK’s most inspirational business stories, Bestway Group marked its 50th anniversary with a glittering celebration at London’s Royal Albert Hall. The prestigious event honoured the company’s founder, Sir Anwar Pervez OBE, H Pk, and his extraordinary journey from humble beginnings to building one of the UK’s largest family-owned businesses.
Hosted by broadcaster Dermot O’Leary, the evening welcomed over 800 distinguished guests including dignitaries, parliamentarians, and close friends of the Bestway family. The event blended emotion, elegance and entertainment, with memorable performances from classical singer Katherine Jenkins OBE, the renowned Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, dynamic string quartet Escala, the Novello Orchestra, and a high-energy finale from classical fusion artist Okiem.
Sir Anwar, who arrived in the UK from rural Pakistan in 1956, started his career as a bus conductor before opening his first retail store in 1963. In 1976, he founded Bestway. From its origins in retail and wholesale, the group has grown into a global enterprise spanning food, cement, pharmaceuticals, and banking, today employing over 50,000 people across multiple continents.
Lord Zameer Choudrey CBE SI (Pk), Chairman of Bestway Group and Sir Anwar’s nephew, paid tribute to the founder’s “grit, vision and purpose,” highlighting the company’s achievements in business and philanthropy. “Sir Anwar’s journey is not just one of commercial success, but of social upliftment and community investment. It is our privilege to celebrate him and the 50 years of impact he has inspired.”
The event also saw a heartfelt message from former Prime Minister, The Rt Hon Lord David Cameron, who praised Sir Anwar as “a true British success story” and highlighted the enduring values of enterprise, generosity and service that define the Bestway ethos.
Central to that ethos is philanthropy. Since its founding in 1987, the Bestway Foundation has donated over £50 million to causes in the UK and abroad, focusing on education, healthcare and social mobility.
“Tonight is not only about looking back – it’s about looking forward,” Lord Choudrey said in closing. “Bestway’s story is still being written, and it is built on the legacy of a man who dared to dream bigger than circumstance.”
For retailers across Scotland, Sir Anwar’s journey remains a powerful reminder of how vision, family, and community can drive lasting success.
