A recipe for success: Nurturing entrepreneurial spirit – Ishfaq Farooq

Ishfaq Farooq was awarded an Outstanding Contribution Award by the University in December 2024, in recognition of the significant impact he, along with his family members and MyLahore co-founders Asghar Ali and Shakoor Ahmed, are making in the city of Bradford.

Founded in Bradford in 2002, MyLahore prides itself on being much more than just a restaurant; it is a living testament to the cultural fusion of food and the spirit of community. MyLahore began as a modest eatery with a bold vision: to bring together the flavours, traditions, and stories of British and Asian cuisines in a way that celebrates diversity and unity.

Today, MyLahore operates five restaurants across the UK, employs more than 500 people, and has diversified into online food services and event catering. Serving both great food and the interests of local communities, MyLahore also boasts an extensive list of charitable endeavours and initiatives, which have led it to become a beacon of cultural and civic pride.

Ishfaq is a proud alumnus of the University of Bradford, having graduated with a degree in Business Management in 2008.

Ishfaq is a respected alumnus of our University and an inspiring role model for budding entrepreneurs. He is celebrated for building a remarkable success story in MyLahore and recognised for his kindness and community-minded spirit. We are very grateful to Ishfaq for generously supporting his alma-mater through his advocacy and incisive business insight.

Eleanor Clyde-Evans, Associate Director (Engagement. Philanthropy & Communication)

How we work together

Reflecting the values of the MyLahore brand, and as a proud Bradford graduate and local entrepreneur, Ishfaq has been a dedicated supporter of the University for many years.

Most recently, Ishfaq and MyLahore collaborated with the University of Bradford to host an ‘AI for All’ event at their restaurant in Birmingham. Bringing together two Bradford institutions, the event showcased how the University’s teaching and research in Artificial Intelligence are making a positive impact on society, while also enhancing the University’s profile in Birmingham to support recruitment and outreach.

Ishfaq’s support for the event not only provided a relaxed and informal setting in which to share the University’s AI stories, accompanied by excellent hospitality and food, but also demonstrated a real-life success story, highlighting the achievements of one of the University’s alumni.

As a proud Bradford alumnus, giving back to the University feels like giving back to where it all began. At MyLahore, we believe in inspiring the next generation through shared stories, lived experience, and real community connection. The University continues to play a vital role in shaping future leaders, and we’re honoured to play even a small part in that journey.

Ishfaq Farooq, Outstanding Contribution Award 2024

In January 2024, Ishfaq joined a distinguished panel of experts at the launch of the University’s Bradford-Renduchintala Enterprise Ecosystem (BREE), an innovative initiative open to staff, students, and members of the public, helping to position the University as the UK’s number one destination for entrepreneurs.

At the event, which welcomed other established entrepreneurs, business leaders and aspiring innovators, Ishfaq spoke candidly about his own journey from studying Business Management at the University, to becoming a Co-Founder and Director of the MyLahore restaurant chain. Through this contribution and by sharing his top tips to success, he hoped to inspire others to follow in his footsteps by turning their business ideas into a reality.

Ishfaq has previously shared similar insights, including how studying at the University of Bradford helped kick-start his journey and made the unachievable achievable in an Alumni vlog.

Find out more about the University's Honorary Award Recipient programme.