In a night of music, memories and milestones, Bestway Group celebrated its 50th anniversary at London’s iconic Royal Albert Hall in July, bringing together more than 800 distinguished guests from business, politics and the community.
For Bestway Wholesale, the UK’s largest independent food and drink wholesaler, the evening was not only an opportunity to celebrate the extraordinary journey of its founder, Sir Anwar Pervez OBE, H Pk, but also to reflect on the company’s continued growth and future ambitions.
Dawood Pervez, Managing Director of Bestway Wholesale, and son of Sir Anwar, spoke of the milestone as both a tribute to the past and a platform for the future:
“Our success as a family-owned business has been built on strong relationships, trust and entrepreneurial spirit. While we are proud of our history, we are equally excited about the next chapter – supporting our retailers and catering customers to thrive in an increasingly competitive market.”
Honouring a legacy, driving the future
Hosted by broadcaster Dermot O’Leary, the glittering evening included performances from mezzo-soprano Katherine Jenkins OBE, Pakistani legend Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, contemporary string quartet Escala with the Novello Orchestra, and fusion pianist Okiem. But beyond the star-studded programme, the true focus was the enduring impact of Bestway’s work over five decades.
Dawood highlighted how Sir Anwar’s vision of empowerment through enterprise continues to shape Bestway Wholesale today:
“What my father started with one store in 1963, and later with the founding of Bestway Wholesale in 1975, has become a nationwide network of depots supporting over 100,000 independent retailers, 7000 club, symbol and franchise operators and thousands of catering operators. That commitment to independence, choice and community runs through everything we do.”
Former Prime Minister Lord David Cameron praised Sir Anwar for his lifelong commitment to enterprise, philanthropy and family values, highlighting how together with his nephew Zameer Choudrey and close friend Younus Sheikh, Sir Anwar created a family-run business rooted in trust, respect and shared purpose.
A business with purpose
Bestway Wholesale has grown into a powerhouse of the UK convenience and retail supply chain, while maintaining the family values instilled by Sir Anwar. Today Bestway Wholesale employs more than 5000 people, with a UK turnover of £3 billion, operating 62 depots spanning the length and breadth of the UK, supplying symbol groups including best-one, Costcutter and Bargain Booze, and serving the needs of independent retailers, caterers and specialist pet stores across the country.
Looking ahead
While the evening paid tribute to Sir Anwar’s extraordinary journey from rural Pakistan to becoming one of Britain’s most successful entrepreneurs, the message was clear: Bestway is a business firmly focused on the future.
“The wholesale sector continues to evolve at pace, shaped by technology, consumer habits and the challenges facing independents,” said Dawood. “Bestway will continue to innovate, invest and support our customers to ensure that independents not only survive but thrive. Our story is still being written – and we are excited about what lies ahead.”
From its beginnings in a single London shop to a business at the heart of the UK’s independent wholesale trade, Bestway’s 50-year journey is a story of enterprise, resilience and partnership.
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