A local businessman from Northwood has been recognised for his contribution to business and enterprise skills by winning the Enterprising IOEE Member Award at the House of Lords.
The annual awards, hosted by the IOEE and SFEDI, bring together key figures from the small business, enterprise and skills sector in the UK. Hak Salih received his award for the voluntary mentoring support he has given many businesses in recent years via the IOEE community, Meet A Mentor events and through regional business support activities. Having already achieved a great deal of success in his chosen career, Hak explored mentoring as he really enjoys helping others achieve their career aspirations. Hak started his working life as an entrepreneur and therefore understands the long hours and stresses involved. He said: “When I graduated in 1992, myself and a friend started a newsagent opposite Liverpool Street Station. When the Bishopsgate terrorist bomb damaged the station, it destroyed our shop too – getting it up and running again in a few days proved to be a tremendous test of our resourcefulness!” Hak went on to train and become a successful investment manager, ranking 6th in the inaugral Lipper Citywire “Top 100 Fund Managers” report and rated AAA and AA by Citywire for most of his career. In 2012 Hak decided to take some time out to explore his passion for technology and innovation and was also keen to give something back during that time too, he says: “I spotted the Get Mentoring training and thought it was interesting as it was a way for me to use my experience and knowledge to help others. I feel my main purpose is to help people achieve their ambitions. If I can’t help, maybe I can signpost them to where they can find help.” “I’m happy to be a sounding board for them to be able to let off steam and work with them to think outside the box and look at different ways of doing things. People don’t need to be good at everything to be a success, for example if they’re great at the product, then it’s about partnering with someone who’s great at sales and marketing. It’s all about building a winning team”. Ruth Lowbridge, Executive Chair of SFEDI and IOEE, said: “We’re delighted to present Hak with this award. His support demonstrates how one person’s enterprise knowledge can make a huge difference to those just starting on their journey. He has become an invaluable source of support for the businesses he’s helped and we are hugely grateful for his considerable time and willingness to share his experience.” Hak added: “It’s wonderful to be recognised with this award. I’ve seen people gain confidence to pursue their dreams and achieve the first signs of success and that has already been hugely rewarding, this award is the icing on the cake. I’d encourage everyone with knowledge to share to consider mentoring, it’s an amazing way to broaden your own horizons and keep your skills fresh and relevant”.
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