Islam Channel Business Awards 2024 - Winners Announced

4/29/2024 10:15 AM

The Islam Channel Business Awards 2024 took place at the Hilton London Metropole on Friday 19^th April with 1000 leading lights of the British Muslim business community in attendance. More than 100 exceptional businesses had been shortlisted for the awards and interviewed by the panel of independent judges, with the winners collecting their awards on the night.

Mohamed Harrath, Islam Channel CEO gave the opening address.

The event was attended by an array of special guests including community leaders and MPs the Rt Hon Sir Ed Davey, the Rt Hon Sir Stephen Timms, the Rt Hon Jeremy Corbyn, Dr Rosena Allin-Khan and Sam Tarry, who were there to show their support for the community. Also in attendance amongst the esteemed guests were dignitaries and Ambassadors including His Excellency Husam Zomlot, Palestinian Ambassador to the UK, who received an extremely warm welcome.

Sam Tarry MP and HE Husam Zomlot, Palestinian Ambassador to the UK

The evening was a celebration of the success of Muslim businesses and the huge contribution which they make to the economy and was packed with inspirational speeches. Islam Channel's CEO, Mohamed Harrath said: "Without doubt, all of you here tonight play a vital role in strengthening our community, not only through the products and services you offer, but also by creating jobs and creating wealth." He also highlighted the importance of entrepreneurship and commerce in Islam, citing the example of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) saying: "He showed us the value to be placed on trade, which has played such a significant role in Muslim history, on entrepreneurship and on the importance of good and fair business practice."

"You set a wonderful example to the whole world" HE Osman Koray Ertas, Turkish Ambassador to the UK

A highlight of the evening was the conversation between Sir Iqbal Sacranie OBE and HE Mr Yousef Khalawi, Secretary General of the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development. Mr Khalawi shared the important work which the ICCD is doing to bring together the worldwide Muslim business community to pool ideas and resources. He described the UK as "a role model for the whole of Europe as the oldest Muslim business community". He stressed the importance of coming together to "unite your voices".

Sir Iqbal Sacranie OBE in Conversation with HE Yousef Khalawi, Secretary General, ICCD

The occasion also marked the 20th anniversary of Islam Channel, founded by Mohamed Ali Harrath in 2004. Sam Tarry MP for Ilford South, spoke of his pride in having the channel in his constituency. He recalled his first ever TV appearance being on the channel as a young anti-war activist, describing it as a "voice for truth and freedom". He spoke about his pleasure in having followed the channel's growth from its earliest days to today when it has "broadened its appeal to a global brand".

The Rt Hon Jeremy Corbyn presents the award for Professional Services Business of the Year to Farani Taylor

Even on this celebratory occasion, the plight and great suffering of the Palestinian people, was never far from the minds of those at the awards. Dr Rosena Allin-Khan MP spoke of her time working as a doctor in Palestine and shared her experiences of her recent trip to the Egyptian border, speaking of the "systemic injustice" perpetrated against the Palestinian people and stressing: "this is like nothing that has ever happened before". Sir Ed Davey stressed his party's support not just for Palestine but against the "shocking rise of Islamophobia" saying "we stand together against those who want to divide us".