British Pakistani Tariq Sheikh, the visionary founder of Tariq Halal Meat, has been awarded an honorary doctorate by a prestigious Florida-based American university during the Leaders in London Summit at the Naval & Military Club. This esteemed recognition celebrates his transformative influence on entrepreneurship, his significant contributions to the Halal industry, and his unwavering philanthropic efforts.
A Journey of Determination
Born in Pakistan in 1961, Tariq Sheikh moved to the United Kingdom at the tender age of four, embarking on a remarkable journey marked by determination and ambition. He began his professional career in the fast-food industry, where his exceptional leadership skills led him to the role of area manager by just 19. In his thirties, he established Tariq Halal Meat with the vision of revolutionising the traditional halal butcher shop experience.
Under Sheikh’s stewardship, Tariq Halal Meat has flourished into a network of over 30 upscale retail stores, characterised by modern design, stringent hygiene standards, and cutting-edge technology. The brand is dedicated to supplying high-quality halal meat to retailers, wholesalers, and franchise outlets across the UK and Europe. Its presence in more than 300 Sainsbury’s locations and expansion into the United Arab Emirates highlight Sheikh’s commitment to making premium halal meat accessible on a global scale.
In presenting the award, the citation remarked: “Recognising his outstanding contributions to reshaping entrepreneurship and creating a profound impact through his business ventures and charitable work, Tariq Sheikh stands as a shining example of visionary leadership. As a British entrepreneur with remarkable foresight, he has not only revolutionised industries but also uplifted communities through his philanthropy. His steadfast dedication to social responsibility and sustainable progress epitomises the highest ideals of entrepreneurial excellence and humanitarian service.”
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Adding to the evening’s accolades, Sheikh received a livery collar from Ambassador Otto Federico von Feigenblatt, Head of the Feigenblatt Family House. This prestigious emblem was conferred upon him in recognition of his dedication to sustainable practices and philanthropy.
While accepting both honours, Tariq Sheikh conveyed his heartfelt gratitude and reflected on his journey: “My goal has always been to elevate the halal meat experience by providing more—superior quality, innovation, and instilling a sense of pride in what we offer,” Sheikh stated. “Today, with a network exceeding 30 stores and a reach that extends beyond the UK, I’m immensely proud of what we’ve achieved. Introducing British meat to the Middle East and positioning it competitively on the global stage has been particularly rewarding. Receiving this honorary doctorate is a profound honour that I share with my dedicated team, our loyal customers, and all who have supported us. I extend my sincere thanks to Michael H. Fridovich, Chancellor of UCNE, for this esteemed recognition.”
Beyond his entrepreneurial successes, Sheikh is a devoted philanthropist. He actively supports organisations such as the Prince of Wales’s British Asian Trust, the British Heart Foundation, and the Cancer Foundation. His commitment to promoting entrepreneurship among young individuals from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds demonstrates his dedication to nurturing the next generation of leaders.
This article was received directly from the reporter.
