The University of Manchester ’s technology transfer company – UMIP – is pleased to announce the appointment of Imran Hakim as its Director of Entrepreneurship. Imran – The Institute of Directors ’ Young Director of the Year, 2008 – will be working with UMIP to enhance the University’s spin-out company and licensing activities and to encourage intellectual property entrepreneurship at the University.
A graduate of the University and an optometrist by profession, he runs a successful group of independent practices in the North West . He has also run a separate and diverse portfolio of businesses and projects since the age of 16. His interests run from turning around loss making companies to negotiating complex licensing agreements.
He became nationally known as one of the most successful winners of investment on BBC2’s Dragons’ Den working with Peter Jones and Theo Paphitis. His innovative iTeddy product – which has already generated millions is now available in over 40 countries worldwide.
Imran said that his developing interests in investing capital into start-up companies and in raising the profile of entrepreneurship in Britain makes the appointment a perfect match for him.
“I will be continuing with my existing business portfolio but I am enthusiastic about working with UMIP”, he said. “The University already has an excellent track record for innovation and commercialising world-class science and technology, so I’m proud to be associated with my old University in this way and excited by the challenge. There are already some fantastic, groundbreaking innovations on the horizon at a time when our economy needs it more than ever so I’m very positive about the contribution I can bring.”
Clive Rowland, Chief Executive of UMIP, said that he was delighted that Imran had agreed to accept the appointment. “I’m really looking forward to it”, says Clive. “Imran will add a creative and effervescent dimension to our mission – he typifies all that is admirable about entrepreneurship – he has energy in abundance, great persistence and commitment and the knack of getting things done in a way that others don’t spot or think is possible.”
About Imran Hakim
What many people don’t realise is that Imran’s business experience began long before he entered the Dragon’s Den. An optometrist by profession, Imran runs a successful chain of independent practices in and around the Northwest. Having run his own business since he was 16, he has extensive first-hand experience of a wide range of business sectors.
Nowadays, as well as working on the iTeddy business, Imran controls a diverse portfolio which includes a lens laboratory, spectacle frame distribution business, optical retail outlets, as well as both management and recruitment companies.
He has won countless business awards over the years in recognition of his numerous endeavours including North West Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2006 and Fusion Entrepreneur of the Year 2007 and most recently a Mosaic Award for Science and Technology from HRH Prince of Wales. His work on the iTeddy brand has earned him several awards including; Toy Inventor of the Year 2007, Young emerging Talent 2008, World Toy Innovation 2008, Start-up Business of the Year 2008 and IOD’s Northwest Young Director of the Year 2008
