Asif Hamid, Chair of Liverpool City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has been recognised for services to small and medium sized businesses in the 2017 Queen’s Birthday Honours list.
Asif said: “I am delighted by the award of this honour. I am privileged to have such an interesting career and am fortunate that I have been able get involved in a wide range of initiatives in the City Region I love but I acknowledge you can’t achieve success alone. This award also recognises the support I have had from many individuals and organisations and I would like to take this opportunity to thank them all.
“Supporting businesses to flourish and grow in the City Region is something I am extremely passionate about. As LEP Chair I look forward to working closely with the Combined Authority and the whole City Region business community to continue the fantastic work we are doing and to create a vibrant inclusive local economy that provides opportunities for all in our community.”
Asif was one of the founding Members of the LEP and sat on the shadow Board from 2010. He founded The Contact Company (TCC) in 2006 in Wirral, starting with 15 staff; the company now employs more than 1200 people and is one of the most significant employers in the City Region with a turnover of over £25 million. Asif is also Chairman of the Wirral Chamber of Commerce.
Mark Basnett, Managing Director of the Liverpool City Region LEP said: “Everyone at the LEP would like to congratulate Asif. As an entrepreneur and founding Member of the LEP, Asif has a deep passion and belief in our City Region and its potential to achieve greatness. This honour is thoroughly deserved and recognisees his outstanding contribution to the City Region.”
Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram said: “I am delighted for Asif. He is a hugely valuable asset to the Combined Authority and my Mayoral team, and we are privileged to have his energy and expertise at our disposal.
“This is a richly deserved honour and recognises his outstanding achievements in business and his great service to our City Region.”