Partner Article

Getting to know... Ammar Mirza CBE

We know you as the founder of AmmarM Group and a member of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum, but who is the person behind the title? Tell us a little about what makes you tick…

At heart, I am still a Geordie lad from Newcastle who learned early that hard work and community go hand in hand. When I was ten, I worked in a local shop for two pounds at the weekends and gave it to my mother to help with the bills. That small moment shaped everything. I am driven by the belief that enterprise should improve lives. Whether through business, charity, or civic work, what motivates me is helping people realise potential they might not yet see in themselves.

Did you always want to work in your industry?

Not at all. Like many people, my path was not linear. I did not set out thinking I would build organisations around enterprise, investment, and international trade. What I did know was that I enjoyed connecting people and creating opportunities. Over time, that grew into supporting entrepreneurs and building platforms that help businesses grow. The industry almost found me because it aligned so naturally with my values around opportunity, innovation, and inclusion.

What’s the best bit about your job? And the worst?

The best part is seeing people succeed. When a founder secures investment, a young person gains confidence through enterprise, or a business breaks into international markets, that is incredibly rewarding. You feel you have played a small part in something meaningful. 

The hardest part is that change often takes time. When you are trying to shift systems or challenge inequality, progress can be slower than you would like. Patience and persistence become essential.

What do you consider to be your greatest achievement?

It is difficult to point to a single moment, because the real sense of achievement comes from the cumulative impact of the journey. Through the organisations and initiatives I have been involved in, we have supported more than 17,000 businesses and organisations, helped unlock over £150m of funding, and built networks that connect people across sectors and countries.

Along the way, I have been deeply humbled to receive recognition, such as being appointed CBE, serving as Honorary Colonel of 101st Northumbrian Regiment Royal Artillery, and now having the privilege of serving as High Sheriff of Tyne and Wear. Those honours are incredibly meaningful, but I see them less as personal achievements and more as reflections of the communities, partners, and teams I have had the privilege to work alongside.

Ultimately, the greatest achievement is seeing others go further than they thought possible. When someone discovers confidence, opportunity or success because of something you helped create, that ripple effect is far more powerful than any title.

How do you relax outside of work?

Family time is incredibly important to me. Spending time with my children and grandchildren helps keep life grounded and joyful. I also enjoy cooking, although my children might debate how good I actually am at it. Music and film have always been part of my life as well. Growing up watching Bollywood films with the family created memories that still make me smile today.

What makes the North East such a great place to live and work?

The North East has a spirit you cannot easily replicate. There is resilience, warmth, and a deep sense of community. People genuinely want to see one another succeed, and that creates a culture where collaboration comes naturally. What stands out most are the people themselves. They are proud, passionate, and positive. Proud of where they come from, passionate about what they do, and positive about the future of the region.

Alongside that spirit, the North East has real economic strength. From advanced manufacturing and clean energy to digital innovation and global trade, the region continues to punch above its weight. We combine world-class talent with a quality of life that is hard to beat, making it a place where ideas can grow and businesses can build something meaningful.

And of course, we are fortunate to have organisations like the Entrepreneurs’ Forum, which plays an important role in bringing founders together, encouraging collaboration, and helping ambitious businesses thrive in the North East.

Tell us something about you we didn’t know…

Many people know me through business or civic work, but not everyone realises how much storytelling influences the way I think. From Bollywood films in the living room as a child to the power of film, television and theatre today, stories shape how we see the world. They inspire ambition, empathy, and imagination. In many ways, the work I do now is also about storytelling. Helping people believe their own story can be bigger than they ever imagined. Oh, and I am halfway through writing a story or two…

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Entrepreneurs' Forum .