Overview of MTF
The Muslim Trade Forum – MTF is a pioneering organisation established in the United Kingdom with a mission to champion the economic empowerment of the British Muslim business community, while fostering unity and collaboration among Muslim entrepreneurs, professionals, and thought leaders across the country.
Our Objectives
Strengthen Trade and Investment Links
To facilitate bilateral and multilateral trade and investment between the United Kingdom and the 57 member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) through structured trade delegations, business forums, exhibitions, and investment missions.
Support Business Growth and Market Access
To assist members in expanding their businesses by providing access to international markets, buyers, investors, and strategic partners, while supporting export readiness and commercial scalability.
Represent and Advocate for Members
To act as a credible and unified voice for the British Muslim business community in engagement with government bodies, policymakers, diplomatic missions, chambers of commerce, and international institutions.
Promote Institutional Collaboration
To build strong partnerships with chambers of commerce, trade bodies, financial institutions, and development organisations in the UK and across OIC countries.
Overview of MTF
The Muslim Trade Forum (MTF) is a pioneering organisation established in the United Kingdom with a mission to champion the economic empowerment of the British Muslim business community, while fostering unity and collaboration among Muslim entrepreneurs, professionals, and thought leaders across the country.
In its ongoing efforts, MTF also prioritises the empowerment of women and youth entrepreneurs by providing access to mentorship, training, and leadership development programs
Leadership & Steering committee
Azeem is the International Lead and Field CTO at British Telecom (BT), guiding global digital transformation for multinational clients. With expertise in technology, strategy, and commercial innovation, he has held senior roles across sectors and earned recognition as one of the UK’s top BAME business leaders. Azeem is also a champion of community well-being through sport and serves on several advisory boards.
Azeem Akhtar
Field CTO at British Telecom
Saleem Sheikh is Senior Partner at GSC Solicitors LLP, with over 40 years' experience in international law, tax, and dispute resolution. A trusted advisor to global clients, he is known for his strategic problem-solving, cultural fluency, and dedication to client success across generations and borders.
Saleem Sheikh
Senior Partner at GSC Solicitors LLP
Sofia is a leading employment and reputation lawyer for ultra-high-net-worth clients and founder of MEUM, a bespoke advisory platform. Known for her discretion and deep legal insight, she advises on staffing, privacy, and sensitive disputes, while supporting family offices with tailored, high-level solutions.
Ms. Sofia Syed
Lawyer for ultra-high-net-worth clients
Shazid Miah is Vice President of MUSIAD UK and Head of Diplomatic Relations. A legal expert in real estate and infrastructure, he connects UK and Middle East markets, advises family offices, and champions cross-border trade. He also co-founded a cybersecurity firm addressing digital business risks.
Mr. Shazid Miah
Vice President of MUSIAD UK
Sher Khan is a finance and tech expert with over 30 years of experience. A King’s College graduate and CFA charterholder, he has held senior roles at JP Morgan and led UK-Islamic finance initiatives. He founded PiPA Solutions and has championed digital identity, AI, and blockchain while remaining active in public affairs and community leadership.
Mr. Sher Khan
Finance and tech expert
Sir Iqbal Sacranie is a distinguished community leader and businessman with over 40 years of service to the Muslim community in the UK and internationally.
He currently serves as the Chair of the Steering Committee of the Muslim Trade Forum and head of the UK delegation to Makkah Halal Forum. He is Chairman of Global Group of Companies specialising in real estate and international trade.
Sir Iqbal Sacranie
Community leader
Dr. Iqbal is a senior public policy and trade diplomacy expert with over 25 years of government service in Pakistan and abroad. He has held top roles including Additional Secretary to the Chief Minister of Sindh and Head of Pakistan’s first trade mission in Osaka, Japan. Now based in London, he is COO and Head of Policy at Manchester Global Foundation, focusing on international trade and workforce well-being.
Dr. Iqbal Thaheem
Senior public policy and trade diplomacy expert
Deena is the CEO of Heriots Patisserie, where she has led the brand’s growth and innovation since 2016. Under her leadership, Heriots has expanded its production, secured key London locations, and won multiple product awards. Passionate about workplace inclusivity and local talent development.
Mrs. Deena Ataie
CEO of Heriots Patisserie
Abdullah is a seasoned UK property expert with over 30 years of experience in residential, commercial, and hotel investments. Since 1995, he has built a high-value portfolio and advised investors, developers, and hospitality operators. Known for revitalising underperforming assets and delivering strategic investment solutions, Abdullah is a trusted name in the property industry, recognised for his insight, integrity, and results-driven approach.
Abdullah Zein
UK property expert
Azeem is the International Lead and Field CTO at British Telecom (BT), guiding global digital transformation for multinational clients. With expertise in technology, strategy, and commercial innovation, he has held senior roles across sectors and earned recognition as one of the UK’s top BAME business leaders. Azeem is also a champion of community well-being through sport and serves on several advisory boards.
Azeem Akhtar
Field CTO at British Telecom
Saleem Sheikh is Senior Partner at GSC Solicitors LLP, with over 40 years' experience in international law, tax, and dispute resolution. A trusted advisor to global clients, he is known for his strategic problem-solving, cultural fluency, and dedication to client success across generations and borders.
Saleem Sheikh
Senior Partner at GSC Solicitors LLP
Sofia is a leading employment and reputation lawyer for ultra-high-net-worth clients and founder of MEUM, a bespoke advisory platform. Known for her discretion and deep legal insight, she advises on staffing, privacy, and sensitive disputes, while supporting family offices with tailored, high-level solutions.
Ms. Sofia Syed
Lawyer for ultra-high-net-worth clients
Shazid Miah is Vice President of MUSIAD UK and Head of Diplomatic Relations. A legal expert in real estate and infrastructure, he connects UK and Middle East markets, advises family offices, and champions cross-border trade. He also co-founded a cybersecurity firm addressing digital business risks.
Mr. Shazid Miah
Vice President of MUSIAD UK
Sher Khan is a finance and tech expert with over 30 years of experience. A King’s College graduate and CFA charterholder, he has held senior roles at JP Morgan and led UK-Islamic finance initiatives. He founded PiPA Solutions and has championed digital identity, AI, and blockchain while remaining active in public affairs and community leadership.
Mr. Sher Khan
Finance and tech expert
Sir Iqbal Sacranie is a distinguished community leader and businessman with over 40 years of service to the Muslim community in the UK and internationally.
He currently serves as the Chair of the Steering Committee of the Muslim Trade Forum and head of the UK delegation to Makkah Halal Forum. He is Chairman of Global Group of Companies specialising in real estate and international trade.
Sir Iqbal Sacranie
Community leader
Dr. Iqbal is a senior public policy and trade diplomacy expert with over 25 years of government service in Pakistan and abroad. He has held top roles including Additional Secretary to the Chief Minister of Sindh and Head of Pakistan’s first trade mission in Osaka, Japan. Now based in London, he is COO and Head of Policy at Manchester Global Foundation, focusing on international trade and workforce well-being.
Dr. Iqbal Thaheem
Senior public policy and trade diplomacy expert
Deena is the CEO of Heriots Patisserie, where she has led the brand’s growth and innovation since 2016. Under her leadership, Heriots has expanded its production, secured key London locations, and won multiple product awards. Passionate about workplace inclusivity and local talent development.
Mrs. Deena Ataie
CEO of Heriots Patisserie
Abdullah is a seasoned UK property expert with over 30 years of experience in residential, commercial, and hotel investments. Since 1995, he has built a high-value portfolio and advised investors, developers, and hospitality operators. Known for revitalising underperforming assets and delivering strategic investment solutions, Abdullah is a trusted name in the property industry, recognised for his insight, integrity, and results-driven approach.
Abdullah Zein
UK property expert
Mission Statement
The mission of the Muslim Trade Forum (MTF) is to serve as a unifying and empowering platform for the British Muslim business community, dedicated to advancing economic participation, entrepreneurship, and global trade engagement. MTF exists to support Muslim-owned businesses, professionals, and entrepreneurs across the United Kingdom by providing meaningful access to opportunities that drive sustainable growth, competitiveness, and long-term prosperity.
Vision
The vision of the Muslim Trade Forum (MTF) is to become a globally respected institution that champions the economic strength, influence, and contribution of the British Muslim business community, while serving as a vital bridge between the United Kingdom and the wider OIC economic ecosystem. MTF envisions a future in which Muslim-owned businesses are fully integrated, influential, and competitive participants in both domestic and international markets.
Women in Business
Championing the leadership, innovation, and impact of Muslim women in business. This dedicated space supports, connects, and celebrates Muslim women entrepreneurs and professionals who are breaking barriers and building businesses across industries. Through tailored events, mentorship opportunities, and visibility platforms, MTF empowers women to lead with confidence and scale with purpose. Together, we’re building a stronger, more inclusive economy.
Women in Business
Championing the leadership, innovation, and impact of Muslim women in business. This dedicated space supports, connects, and celebrates Muslim women entrepreneurs and professionals who are breaking barriers and building businesses across industries. Through tailored events, mentorship opportunities, and visibility platforms, MTF empowers women to lead with confidence and scale with purpose. Together, we’re building a stronger, more inclusive economy.
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