A CEO of a leading law firm has been awarded an honorary doctorate.
Imran Akram, chief executive of Bolton based Asons solicitors, was awarded doctor of business administration for outstanding contribution to the legal profession at a Bolton university graduation ceremony this week.
Manchester United player Ryan Giggs and Love Actually actress Martine McCutcheon also received Honorary Doctorates recognising the outstanding contribution they have made in their fields.
Proud moment
Asons Solicitors has grown from just three employees to over 350 in five years. The company is planning to build new offices in the town that will bring new jobs to Bolton and the surrounding region.
The £7m new building will be built on the street Imran and his brother Kamran who set the company up were raised.
The company has been honoured by being included in The Times Best Companies 2013, Customer Service Excellence, the Lexcel Accreditation, Investors in People Gold, and, most recently, Red Ribbon’s Family Business Place award.
Speaking after the event Mr Akram told us, “When I was younger, seeing my brother’s photos on the wall with all their degrees, I said to my mother: ‘I’ll be up there one day’.
“Years later here I am, a university drop-out and ex-cab driver, turned CEO with an Honorary Degree.
“It feels so unreal, but my story serves to remind all aspiring people, from all walks of life, that no matter where you are, where you’ve come from, or what you’ve achieved so far – as long as you have the time, passion and motivation to do something, you can do it.”
The Akram family watched as Imran delivered an emotional speech to his fellow graduates, after congratulating them on their ‘splendid achievements’.
He told the audience, ‘You need to choose your industry and get straight in there, at any level – be it a receptionist or in the post room,’ he advised, ‘because the hardest part about getting the right role today is getting your foot in the door. You create your own opportunities.
"Business-as-usual approaches to building peace and sustainable development are not working. It’s up to you, the graduates of today, to forge your own solutions.’
He also pointed out that regardless of degree, success was still possible for those with the determination and work ethic.
"Industry is more interested in people who can get the job done, as opposed to those with the most qualifications – just look at me!"
Picture courtesy @Imran1108
He added: “Having an institution like the university recognise your achievements is a real honour, especially when you are not from an academic background.
"This degree is for anyone else out there like me — it proves it can be done.”
The university marked the start of a special celebratory year in which the university commemorates 190 years since its origins as Bolton Mechanics’ Institute.
Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bolton, Professor George Holmes said, “Our honorary award recipients have excelled in their professional lives and made an extraordinary contribution to civic life in Britain.
"Many of them share a particular link with our region, and to Bolton itself and the life of our university.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here