Bestway: A UK Wholesale Giant's Story

In the bustling landscape of UK commerce, few names resonate with the same blend of entrepreneurial spirit and community commitment as Bestway Group. What began as a modest venture in the 1950s has blossomed into a global enterprise with a turnover exceeding £4.7 billion, employing over 41,000 individuals worldwide. This is the story of Bestway, a testament to vision, perseverance, and a deep-seated desire to build businesses for the independent sector and give back to the communities it serves.

The Genesis: From Pakistan to Bradford

The remarkable journey of Bestway begins with Sir Anwar Pervez OBE. In 1956, at a young age, he made the life-altering decision to immigrate to the UK from his ancestral village in Pakistan, seeking better opportunities. Arriving in Bradford, he took on various jobs, including a stint as a bus conductor, all while harbouring a dream of self-sufficiency. His early experiences instilled in him a profound understanding of hard work and the challenges faced by immigrants and aspiring entrepreneurs.

The First Foray: "Kashmir" Convenience Store

Sir Anwar's entrepreneurial acumen soon became evident. In 1963, having accumulated sufficient capital, he established his first convenience store, "Kashmir," in Earl's Court, London. This was no ordinary corner shop; Sir Anwar was a trailblazer, understanding the importance of customer convenience. He kept his store open late evenings and weekends, a rarity in the 1960s, and curated a diverse product range to cater to the multicultural community of the area. This customer-centric approach laid the foundation for future success.

Expansion and the Birth of Wholesale

By the early 1970s, Sir Anwar's retail empire had expanded to encompass a chain of 10 convenience stores across London, each fostering a loyal customer base. However, as his business grew, so did his frustration with wholesale suppliers who were unwilling to offer favourable terms despite his significant purchasing volume. This challenge sparked a new idea: to enter the wholesale market himself. In 1976, with a clear vision to support independent retailers, Bestway Wholesale was founded. The mantra was simple yet powerful: "building business for the independents." The first depot opened in Acton, London, with the aim of providing consistent stock availability at lower margins, enabling smaller businesses to compete with the burgeoning supermarket chains.

A Decade of Growth and National Ambitions

The 1980s marked a period of rapid expansion for Bestway Wholesale. New depots were established in Southall and Hackney, alongside the flagship warehouse in Abbey Road, which remains the Group's Head Office today. By the end of the decade, Bestway Wholesale had cemented its position as a strong, London-focused wholesaler with seven warehouses. The ambition to become a truly national player led to the opening of the first warehouse outside London in Bristol in 1987.

Diversification and Family Involvement

The 1990s saw Bestway Wholesale continue its national expansion, with new depots opening in key cities like Leeds, Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester, Cardiff, and Swansea. Crucially, this decade also marked the emergence of the second generation of leadership. Lord Zameer Choudrey, Sir Anwar's nephew, joined the Board as Finance Director in 1990, bringing a fresh perspective and driving the Group's diversification strategy. This led to ventures into the rice business with the acquisition of Pak Pearl Rice Mill in Pakistan and the establishment of Bestway Milling in the UK.

Entering New Markets: Cement and Banking

Recognising the growth potential in developing economies, Lord Choudrey spearheaded the Group's diversification into cement manufacturing in Pakistan. Despite initial challenges in acquiring an existing plant, Bestway Cement Limited was incorporated in 1995, and its first plant in Hattar became operational in 1998. The early 2000s saw further significant moves, including the acquisition of a controlling stake in United Bank Limited (UBL) in Pakistan, transforming it into a major player in the Pakistani banking sector. By 2004, Sir Anwar Pervez stepped back from day-to-day operations to assume the role of Chairman, with Lord Choudrey appointed as Chief Executive Officer of Bestway Group.

Consolidating Leadership and Acquisitions

The mid-to-late 2000s and early 2010s were characterised by strategic acquisitions that solidified Bestway's market position. The acquisition of Batleys Plc in 2005 propelled Bestway Wholesale to become the second-largest wholesaler and the largest independent wholesaler in the UK. Further acquisitions in Scotland strengthened its national presence. In the banking sector, Bestway Group successfully bought out its joint venture partner in UBL, taking full control of the bank.

A Fourth Pillar: Pharmacy and Continued Expansion

In 2014, Bestway Group achieved a significant milestone by becoming debt-free. This financial strength allowed for the identification of a new growth area: the UK healthcare market. The acquisition of The Co-operative Group's pharmacy business marked the establishment of Bestway's fourth business pillar, extending its reach into community healthcare. The Group also continued to strengthen its existing businesses, with Bestway Cement acquiring Lafarge Cement's Pakistan operations.

Community and Philanthropy: The Bestway Foundation

Integral to the Bestway ethos is its commitment to giving back. Established in 1987, the Bestway Foundation is a charitable trust dedicated to improving health and education. This commitment stems from the founders' own experiences of social mobility and is deeply ingrained in the company's corporate philosophy. The Foundation has funded numerous projects, scholarships, and facilities in both the UK and Pakistan, demonstrating a profound dedication to community empowerment. Notable initiatives include scholarships at the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge, as well as the establishment of educational institutions in Pakistan.

The Third Generation and Future Outlook

The early 2020s have seen the continued expansion of all business segments and the integration of the third generation of the Pervez family into leadership roles. Haider Choudrey, Lord Choudrey's son, joined the Board as Chief Financial Officer in 2018, signalling a new era of leadership. Bestway Wholesale continues to grow through strategic acquisitions, including the purchase of the Costcutter brand in 2021. Bestway Cement is also expanding, investing in solar power to enhance sustainability. The Bestway Foundation remains active, forging new partnerships to further its philanthropic goals.

Why Work at Bestway Group?

Bestway Group offers a compelling proposition for potential employees. The company's impressive growth from a single store to a global entity with a turnover of over £4.7 billion and a workforce of 41,000 worldwide speaks volumes about its stability and dynamism. The core family and corporate philosophy of supporting and empowering communities, coupled with a strong emphasis on giving back through the Bestway Foundation, creates a unique and rewarding work environment. Employees are part of a journey that honours its founder, Sir Anwar Pervez, and is guided by a committed board and dedicated staff. The opportunity to contribute to a business that prioritises both commercial success and social responsibility makes Bestway Group an attractive employer.

Key Milestones and Recognitions

Frequently Asked Questions

Who founded Bestway Group?
Bestway Group was founded by Sir Anwar Pervez OBE.

What is Bestway Group's main business?
Bestway Group operates across several sectors, including wholesale, cement manufacturing, banking, and pharmacy.

What is the annual turnover of Bestway Group?
The Group has an annualised turnover in excess of £4.70 billion.

What is the Bestway Foundation?
The Bestway Foundation is a charitable trust focused on health and education, established to give back to the communities the Group operates in.

Who is the current CEO of Bestway Group?
Lord Zameer Choudrey is the Chief Executive Officer of Bestway Group.

Bestway Group's legacy is built on a foundation of entrepreneurship, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to its customers and communities. Its journey is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved with vision, dedication, and a strong sense of purpose.