A British-Bangladeshi Visionary Who Built Global Enterprises, Empowered Diaspora Finance, And Redefined Philanthropic Leadership
Few contemporary British-Bangladeshi figures embody the fusion of enterprise, social responsibility and transnational impact as comprehensively as Iqbal Ahmed OBE. From a war-torn childhood in Sylhet to the boardrooms of Britain and Bangladesh, his journey is not merely one of commercial success, but of purpose-driven leadership. Over five decades, he has transformed industries, created thousands of jobs, strengthened economic bridges between nations and invested relentlessly in education, healthcare and community development.
Best known as the founder of the Seamark Group, IBCO Food Industries, and NRB Bank PLC, Iqbal Ahmed’s influence spans global food supply chains, international trade policy, diaspora finance and philanthropy. His recognition as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) stands as formal acknowledgment of a lifetime devoted not only to wealth creation, but to nation-building and social uplift.
This in-depth profile explores his early life, entrepreneurial rise, leadership in banking, humanitarian commitments and enduring legacy.
Early Life And The Journey To Britain
Iqbal Ahmed was born on 4 August 1956 in Balaganj Thana, Sylhet District, in what was then East Pakistan and is now Bangladesh. His formative years coincided with a period of intense political instability that would ultimately culminate in the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971. Amidst violence and upheaval, the teenage Ahmed made the life-altering decision to leave his homeland in search of security and opportunity.
At just 15 years old, he arrived in the United Kingdom as a young migrant with limited resources but immense determination. Like many first-generation immigrants, his early years in Britain were marked by long hours, sacrifice and adaptation. He settled in northern England and later pursued further education at City College Westminster in London, acquiring practical knowledge that would later complement his entrepreneurial instincts.
However, it was not formal education alone that shaped him. The lived experience of migration, resilience and responsibility instilled in him a deep understanding of hard work and self-reliance. These early lessons became the bedrock of his future success.
The Birth Of An Entrepreneurial Vision
Iqbal Ahmed’s business journey began within the framework of family enterprise. In the early 1970s, he joined a modest family-run business in Oldham, working alongside relatives in trading and distribution. Unlike many entrepreneurs who wait for perfect conditions, Ahmed displayed an instinctive ability to identify opportunity amid limitation.
In 1976, together with his brothers Kamal and Bilal, he formally established Iqbal Bros, a venture that would later evolve into IBCO Limited. What distinguished Ahmed from competitors was not merely ambition, but foresight. He recognised, far earlier than most, the untapped potential of refrigerated shipping and frozen food logistics.
At a time when frozen seafood imports were still underdeveloped in the UK, Ahmed invested heavily in cold-chain infrastructure, allowing his business to import high-quality frozen produce efficiently and at scale. This strategic leap transformed IBCO from a small importer into a dominant supplier within the UK catering and food manufacturing sectors.
Building Seamark And IBCO Into Global Powerhouses
The founding of Seamark Group marked a turning point not only for Iqbal Ahmed, but for Britain’s frozen food industry. Seamark was conceived as more than a distributor; it was designed as a fully integrated food processing and supply organisation.
Under Ahmed’s leadership, Seamark expanded rapidly across Europe, North America and Asia. Its product range grew to include frozen fish, seafood, poultry and vegetables, supplying wholesalers, retailers and food service providers on an international scale. Brands such as Mr Prawn and Tiger became widely recognised for quality and reliability.
What set Ahmed apart was his insistence on ethical sourcing and sustainability long before these became industry buzzwords. Seamark adopted rigorous quality controls, invested in supplier relationships in developing countries and promoted responsible trading practices. This approach not only enhanced brand trust but positioned the company as a leader in ethical global commerce.
By the early 2000s, the Seamark Group employed thousands worldwide and generated substantial turnover, establishing Iqbal Ahmed as one of the most successful British-Bangladeshi entrepreneurs of his generation.
Recognition For Excellence In International Trade
Iqbal Ahmed’s contribution to British industry and global trade earned him widespread recognition. In 2001, he was appointed an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the Queen’s Honours List for services to international trade.
This honour reflected more than commercial achievement. It acknowledged his role in strengthening Britain’s export profile, fostering ethical supply chains and promoting inclusive economic growth. Over the years, Ahmed also served on several influential advisory bodies, including:
- The Southern Asian Advisory Group
- The Competitiveness Council
- The Ethical Trading Champions’ Group
These roles allowed him to contribute directly to shaping trade policy and best practices at national and international levels.
His accolades continued with Entrepreneur of the Year nominations, UK Trade & Investment awards, and in 2015, the prestigious Asian Achievers Business Person of the Year Award, presented at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel. Each honour reinforced his status as a business leader whose success was grounded in integrity and long-term vision.
Founding NRB Bank And Empowering The Diaspora
Perhaps Iqbal Ahmed’s most visionary contribution lies in the establishment of NRB Bank PLC in Bangladesh. Recognising the economic power and potential of the Bangladeshi diaspora, Ahmed conceptualised a bank designed specifically to serve Non-Resident Bangladeshis (NRBs).
His vision was bold: to create a financial institution that would act as a bridge between expatriate investors and Bangladesh’s development needs. To achieve this, he united 46 NRB entrepreneurs from around the world, ensuring that the bank’s ownership and ethos reflected the diaspora’s aspirations.
NRB Bank was founded with a clear mandate:
- Facilitate diaspora investment
- Support remittance flows
- Enable international trade finance
- Strengthen Bangladesh’s integration into the global economy
Under Ahmed’s chairmanship, the bank embraced digital transformation, SME financing and inclusive banking solutions. In 2025, his re-election as Chairman of NRB Bank PLC reaffirmed confidence in his leadership and long-term strategic direction.
NRB Bank today stands as a pioneering example of diaspora-led development finance, directly translating expatriate success into national progress.
Philanthropy Rooted In Purpose And Responsibility
While business success brought Iqbal Ahmed wealth and recognition, philanthropy has remained central to his identity. His charitable philosophy is grounded in education, healthcare and community empowerment, reflecting a belief that prosperity must be shared.
Education As A Catalyst For Change
In his native Sylhet, Ahmed founded the Burunga Iqbal Ahmed High School and College, which educates more than 1,600 students. The institution provides quality education to young people who might otherwise lack access, particularly in rural communities.
Through the Iqbal Bros Foundation, he also funds scholarships at prestigious institutions including Lucy Cavendish College, University of Cambridge, and Manchester Metropolitan University, supporting academically gifted students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Healthcare And Community Support
In the United Kingdom, Ahmed has been a major supporter of healthcare charities, contributing to initiatives such as:
- Manchester Children’s Hospital Appeal
- Royal Manchester Eye Hospital Appeal
- Cancer research and patient support programmes
He also serves as Chairman of Masjid ul Aqsa Islamic Centre in Oldham, a vital community institution providing religious, educational and social services.
Global Humanitarian Engagement
Beyond national borders, his foundation has extended support to Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, offering humanitarian aid to one of the world’s most vulnerable populations. This global outlook reflects his conviction that moral responsibility transcends geography.
Leadership Beyond Commerce
Iqbal Ahmed’s influence extends into trade diplomacy and entrepreneurship advocacy. As Chairman of UKBCCI (UK Bangladesh Catalyst of Commerce & Industry), he plays a central role in strengthening bilateral trade relations and encouraging cross-border enterprise.
He has represented British-Bangladeshi business interests at international forums and was invited as a founding delegate to the Bloomberg New Economy Forum, a platform reserved for global thought leaders shaping the future of economic systems.
Through mentorship, advocacy and institutional leadership, Ahmed continues to nurture the next generation of entrepreneurs, particularly within diaspora communities.
Personal Life And Enduring Legacy
Despite his global profile, Iqbal Ahmed remains grounded in family and community. He is married to Salma Ahmed and is the father of three children, all of whom have pursued professional careers. Residing in Wilmslow, Cheshire, he balances corporate responsibilities with personal interests in travel, sports and cultural engagement.
His life story is captured in autobiographical works such as King Prawn – Dreaming Big and Making It Happen and Sylhet to Manchester, offering insights into the mindset that shaped his success.
A Legacy Of Vision, Integrity And Impact
Iqbal Ahmed OBE’s story is not merely one of financial achievement. It is a narrative of migration, resilience, ethical leadership and service. From revolutionising frozen food logistics to empowering diaspora finance and investing in education, his impact is both wide-ranging and deeply personal.
In an era often dominated by short-term gains, Ahmed’s life stands as a powerful reminder that enduring success is built on vision, responsibility and the courage to give back. His legacy will continue to inspire entrepreneurs, community leaders and future generations across Britain, Bangladesh and beyond.
Disclaimer
This article is published for informational and educational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the content is based on publicly available information and does not claim to represent official statements, endorsements, or views of Iqbal Ahmed OBE or the Seamark Group. Any opinions expressed are those of the author. Readers are advised to conduct their own research before relying on any information contained within this article.