Tributes have been paid to the owner of the region’s first Asian businesses in the North West.

Haji Manzoor Hussain established what is now known as ‘Poshaak’ in 1971 directly next door to the Khyber Cafe run by Sher Mohammed in Blackburn. He had also opened a grocers in 1967 in the Audley area of the town.

Sher Mohammed died aged 88 on January 18 and less than a week later on January 24 Mr Hussain passed away aged 87. 

The two businesses were one of the first to be established along the Victoria Street and Whalley Range stretch which now features more than 150 shops and retail stores.

Highly educated and qualified Haji Manzoor Hussain was no ordinary business owner.

His story is similar to many others who came to the UK with very little but went on to succeed.

Mr Hussain came to the UK in 1963. A qualified court clerk in Pakistan and one of few people who could read and write English at the time he became a go-between for many other immigrants who needed assistance with job applications and finding housing.

His education kept him in good stead and he also taught himself Persian and enrolled himself on courses. 

In 1968 he saved some money to buy a grocers in Higher Antley Street, Blackburn.

Later in 1971 he decided to acquire a store on Whalley Range. At the time the shop sold everything from household goods to haberdashery. It was at the time the first Asian store catering for the needs of the local community.

The loose fabrics side of the business soon grew and by the mid-Seventies the shop was renowned for supplying a range of clothes including school uniforms.

Asian Image:

Haji Manzoor pictured here in 1957

Alongside the Khyber Café the business was soon joined by Jaurah Textiles, Khan’s Cloth House, Sufi Fazal Hussain’s Grocers, Askot Shoes, Ayub Videos and a halal meat store helping to make the area a thriving high street.

Many of these were in their own right important in helping to start the local shopping revolution.
Son Yamin explained, “He always believed that the more businesses that opened up the better it would be for the local community.

“Back then there were few places people could go to buy products they were used to back in South Asia. And if he didn’t have it he would soon find it for the customer.

“Business as many will understand was a lot different for the first generation. 

“As well as being enterprising there was a overwhelming need to help your fellow community the best you could.”

During the Seventies he also took part in what seems an almost improbable journey,

Son Shahid told us, “In 1973 he decided to travel by road to Pakistan. It was at the time something very few people had managed.”

Mr Hussain had his sons work in the shop and he himself was still employed by Netlon until 1982. In 1989 the store was re-branded as Poshaak which went on to become the most popular fashion store on the Whalley Range stretch.

When it was torn down and re-built Mr Hussain seemed to be proud that his small business had lasted almost a half a century.

Yamin said, “He was happy that it was being redeveloped and re-built. He was always keen on job creation and helping to develop areas.

“That is probably why when he retired in 2003 he decided to open a gift shop in another part of town.
“I think he was also someone who just wanted to stay busy and try new ideas.”

It was this thirst for knowledge that led him to teach himself computing at the grand old age of 75. 
In 2010 he lost an eye but remained active within the community, especially at his local mosque.

Haji Manzoor Hussain died aged 87 on January 24. He leaves behind nine children and 26 grandchildren and 16 great grand children.

The family would like to take this opportunity to thank the community for their support and love.