Prominent Walsall Bangladeshi entrepreneur humbled to receive prestigious lifetime achievement award

A prominent Black Country based Bangladeshi entrepreneur has told of his delight at being handed a prestigious award recognising his services to the hospital industry and the community.

Walsall’s Faruk Uddin was handed a Lifetime Achievement Award at the British Bangladeshi Business Awards 2026, held at The New Bingley Hall, Hockley Circus, Birmingham.

The awards, organised by Desh Foundation UK, celebrate the achievements of the Bangladeshi community and in particular the businesses, entrepreneurs and individuals which help to inspire the next generation from the Bangladeshi community.

Faruk, also known affectionately as Tony, was recognised for his entrepreneurial achievements, contribution to hospitality, community leadership and decades of service since arriving in the UK in 1971.

He has been a prominent businessman for more than 45 years running the Dilshad restaurant from 1979 until 2022 before turning his attention to popular takeaway Heath Hayes Spice in Staffordshire.

Born in Bangladesh in 1968, he moved to England in 1971 with his family - settling in Walsall.

Following his education he followed his brother into the restaurant business with the opening of the Dilshad in Chadsmoor, Cannock, in 1979.

Over the years his family operated as many as 15 restaurants across the West Midlands building a reputation within the West Midlands hospitality industry.

Among these the Dilshad built up a strong reputation locally, regionally and nationally for quality Indian and Bangladeshi cuisine and Faruk won a number of awards for excellence.

Beyond hospitality he successfully expanded into commercial and residential property in 2009.

Faruk, aged 58, has also been a big supporter of the community - helping local charities including Birmingham Children's Hospital.

He said the award came as a bit of a surprise, adding: "I am absolutely honoured to be recognised for a lifetime achievement award. To receive such an accolade on behalf of the Bangladeshi community I serve is just so very special to me and incredibly humbling."

He said he would encourage young people to think about how they can work to benefit the community in addition to furthering their business interests - adding: “Sometimes it is hard but it is possible to do and I encourage all the youngsters...do your business and if you can do your bit for your community and charities - it’s very rewarding.”