Curry boss and ‘Dragon’ to be honoured by university

The founder and owner of the Bradford-based Mumtaz brand was born in Azad Kashmir in 1959 and moved to Britain in 1972. He left school at 16 to work in a textile mill.

With the help of his mother Farzand Begum, they founded the first Mumtaz restaurant in 1978, on Great Horton Road in Bradford and named it after him.

By 1987, he expanded the premises, increasing the seats from 22 to 150. It now seats over 500 people and boasts a conference suite and delicatessens.

He continued to build the Mumtaz name, by creating food processing division, Mumtaz Food Industries. Their second restaurant was opened in Clarence Dock, Leeds on Mother’s Day 2009 in the memory of his late mother.

On Thursday Mumtaz Khan will receive a Doctor of the University for his support of Bradford and for his “determination to raise the profile of the city”, a University spokesman said.

Also being honoured are Dragons’ Den star James Caan who is being recognised for his charitable work.

Baroness (Margaret) Eaton of Cottingley – the former leader of Bradford Council – will receive a Doctor of Education for her contribution to the city, region and local government.

Baroness Eaton was leader of the council between 2006 and 2006.

Professor Mark Cleary, Vice-Chancellor of the University, said: “The University of Bradford is looking forward to welcoming our honorary graduates to the campus.

“It is with great pride that we will honour them for their achievements and charitable contributions to the wider-community, which are an impressive testament to their talents.”

Also honoured are Madam Wang Yuan, a Bradford University graduate who is recognised for her contributions to international financial development.

Sir Anwar Pervez will receive the degree of Doctor of Laws in recognition of his commitment to business and support of charities.

Born in 1935, he moved to the UK at the age of 21 and started his career as a bus driver in Bradford. He went on to success with cash-and-carry business Bestway.