Another Award as Zabir Ali wins the Allica Bank Retail Entrepreneur of the Year 2023

Zabir Ali Triumphs at The Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards!

On the 21st of November 2023. Zabir Ali, founder of Wessex Optical was awarded South West Retail Entrepreneur of the year at The Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards.
Recognised annually as one of the most prestigious accolades in the entrepreneurial world, The Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards which received over 5,000 applications this year alone.
A Triumph in a Highly Competitive Field, and following on from a nomination in 2022 Zabir clinched this award in which making the shortlist is an achievement in its own right, given the calibre of competition. This success underlines the significance of Zabir and Wessex Optical’s win.
Previous winner James Watt, founder of BrewDog, said that winning was “better than winning the World Cup.” with ‘Diary of a CEO’s Steven Bartlett going as far as to dub the awards as “The Grammys of Entrepreneurship,” highlighting the glamour and prestige associated with the event.

Francesca James, founder of The Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards, said:
“I am thrilled to witness the extraordinary achievements of this year’s winners. Their
success stories are a testament to the dynamic and innovative spirit that thrives within
UK entrepreneurship. These inspiring entrepreneurs embody the creativity, determination,
and passion that are at the heart of our nation’s business success. Their
accomplishments not only celebrate their own journeys but also light the way for future
generations of innovators and business leaders”.
Richard Davies, CEO of Allica Bank, commented:
“It has been a real honour to sponsor this year’s GBEA awards. Hearing the inspiring stories
from this year’s winners really brings to life the important contribution British entrepreneurs
make to our economy. At Allica, we couldn’t be more excited to see such a talented group of
individuals making their mark in the business world and we’ll be keeping a close eye on what
they do next.”

About Wessex Optical
Wessex Optical is a franchise of Boots Opticians, with 7 practices in Dorset, Southampton and Staffordshire. Established in 2012 by first generation entrepreneur Zabir Ali, the group has been exceptionally successful, with multiple award nominations and wins, all the while providing excellent clinical results and patient care.
About The Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards
The Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards celebrate and champion
entrepreneurs across the UK, building communities to support their endeavours
at various stages of their journey.
With stiff competition and a history of recognising businesses that become
household names, the awards are a beacon of excellence in the entrepreneurial
landscape.