“Birmingham’s business community has lost a quiet hero,” says Mayoral candidate.
The death of Nazir Awan means Birmingham’s business community has lost one of our most capable and dedicated leaders, says former West Midlands CBI Director and Metro Mayoral candidate Beverley Nielsen.
Nazir Awan, who was also a prominent figure in Birmingham’s Muslim community, was a founder member and former chair of the Institute of Asian Businesses. Until 2006 Nazir ran the highly successful Awan Marketing with his brother Nasir. More 
recently he created and led Awan Real Estate, which he ran with his son, Amer.
Cllr Beverley Nielsen said: “The tragic death of Nazir Awan has deprived Birmingham’s business community of a quiet hero.
“For decades Nazir has been a cornerstone of the import and export business in the city, since taking a key role in helping firms across the region recover from the collapse of the Bank of Credit and Commerce International in the 1980s.
“He was dedicated and capable and his commitment and leadership brought secure employment to thousands of people.
“Losing him to coronavirus is a shock. Like many invovled with the Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce, I know his brother Nasir where he is a board member,. while his son Amer leads Awan Real Estate.
“Together the Awan family have made an incredible contribution to business in Birmingham and the West Midlands region, especially in harnessing the wonderfully entrepreneurial energy of the Asian business community.”
Mr Awan, 68, was taken ill with initial mild symptoms of Coronavirus but after his condition deteriorated last week he passed away in Good Hope Hospital.
