Outstanding entrepreneur to be recognised by University of Salford
Vikas Shah MBE was awarded an Doctor of Business Administration honoris causa by the University, to recognise his outstanding contribution in the fields of business and philanthropy.
Entrepreneur, investor, author and philanthropist, Vikas started his first business at 14 years old and is now CEO of Swiscot Group - a textiles and commodities trading business based in Salford. Vikas is an investor in a number of startup businesses internationally and a Non-Executive Board Member for both the UK Government’s Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy and the Solicitors Regulation Authority. He was awarded an MBE for services to Business and the Economy in Her Majesty the Queen’s 2018 New Year’s Honour List.
As a committed philanthropist, Vikas sits as Chair of In Place of War, an international peace building and entrepreneurship NGO with 100 grassroots community organisations reaching over 60m people globally.
For the University he has supported the Launch@ SalfordUni business incubator and has been instrumental in advising dozens of young entrepreneurs as they take their first steps in the world of business. Vikas has taught at several universities around the world and holds an Honorary Industry Fellowship here at our Business School.
Dr Francine Morris, Associate Dean Enterprise & Industry Engagement at the Business School, nominated Vikas for this award.
She said: “Even though he is probably the busiest business person I have ever met, Vikas is never too busy to give me his time and advice. On a personal level he has been an excellent mentor, both supportive and critical when required. He selflessly supports many others in when he has nothing at all to gain and always has a smile on his face.
“Vikas manages to make everyone who comes into contact with him feel like they are the most important person.”
Outside of running his businesses, Vikas has worked with several charities and non-profit organisations as an advisor, trustee and patron. He was Executive Patron of the Manchester Cancer Research Centre and is a Trustee at Mustard Tree – the largest homelessness and poverty alleviation charity in the northwest, and he is also a trustee of Nile Rodgers We Are Family Foundation.
Dr Morris added: “It has been a wonderful experience and one of the highlights of my own job to have been able to nominate Vikas for this honour, because I know that he truly deserves it.”
For all press office enquiries please email communications@salford.ac.uk.
Share: