Facebook - Birmingham Business Twitter - Birmingham Business Instagram - Birmingham Business
https://edgbaston.com

Tributes paid to coronavirus victim Nazir

Tributes have been paid to Nazir Awan, a leading member of Birmingham’s Asian and business community, who has died suddenly after contracting coronavirus. Mr Awan, 68, leaves a widow, daughter, son and six grandchildren.

For 27 years until 2006, Nazir ran the highly successful Awan Marketing with his brother Nasir, who is currently a member of the board of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce and a former chair and president of the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce. He then created Awan Real Estate, which he led along with his son, Amer.

Nazir (pictured), also a prominent figure in Birmingham’s Muslim community, was a founder member of the Institute of Asian Businesses (now the ABCC) in 1980 and served as its chair from 1994 to 1995. He was instrumental in helping Birmingham businesses recover from the collapse of the Bank of Credit and Commerce International (BCCI) in the 1980s.

Nasir Awan said: “We are devastated by the loss of much loved member of our family, where we regarded him as a patriarch. He was a valued business partner and an important member of the Asian and business community in Greater Birmingham. 

“I do appeal to everyone to take the impact of coronavirus extremely seriously and follow government advice about precautions to the letter. No-one should feel it’s not going to happen to them – this awful disease knows no boundaries.”

Paul Faulkner, chief executive of the GBCC, said: “Our deepest sympathy goes to Nasir and his family following their tragic loss. Nazir was a valued member of the Greater Birmingham business and Muslim community and he will be greatly missed.”

Nazir was born in Peshawar in Pakistan in 1953 and attended Upper Thomas Street School in Birmingham and Brooklyn Technical College before joining GKN. He and Nasir then founded one of the most successful businesses in the UK. It quickly established its place among the largest importers, exporters and distributors and wholesalers in the UK dealing in a huge range of goods.

Andrew Cove

Digital marketing director, M3 Agency

5th February 2021

Marketing agency launches new media operation

Firm celebrates anniversary with £100,000 investment

15th December 2020

Awards shortlist is unveiled

Asian Business Chamber of Commerce names finalists

13th November 2020

Restaurants see sell-out surge in bookings

Customers keen to get back to dining indoors

29th March 2021

Trade and investment deal welcomed

Asian Business Chamber president praises "fantastic opportunity"

6th May 2021

Business chamber extends virus advice campaign

Scheme offers guidance to firms who struggle to get Coronavirus support

22nd September 2020

Neil leads the external affairs team

Chamber makes interim role permanent

29th January 2020

Production company signs new recruit

Creative specialist has over 30 years' industry experience

15th October 2020

Property consultancy invests in digital marketing business

Deal comes as company looks to expand national and global influence

28th April 2021

Marketing agency scoops major new contract

International events and hospitality giant signs deal with Birmingham firm

3rd June 2021

Flomatik bolsters leadership team

Network services provider recruits top telecoms talent

8th June 2021

Agency celebrates with new business wins

Firm marks its 21st birthday in style

22nd December 2020

Global specialist joins M3

Marketing and comms expert will target £5m of annual fees

24th February 2020

Matt Day

Director, In Front Digital

15th May 2020

Gez McGuire

Founder of MCG Digital Media

15th December 2020