Shahid Sheikh OBE
Entrepreneur. Philanthropist. Ambassador. Leader.
"Aspire to Inspire, before we expire" - Shahid Sheikh OBE
Entrepreneur. Philanthropist. Ambassador. Leader.
Shahid Sheikh OBE is the Managing Director of Clifton Packaging Group Ltd and Cultural Ambassador to Leicestershire County Cricket Club. He is on a mission to change lives and following the mantra of “Aspire to Inspire before we expire.”
Shahid Sheikh OBE is an entrepreneur and the former Director of Clifton Packaging Group Ltd, founded in 1981, which today proudly stands among the world’s leading flexible packaging manufacturers, supplying predominantly the FMCG food industry. Shahid has been at the forefront of championing representation within the business community, generously giving his time and energy to break down barriers where representation has historically been limited, and helping others to build confidence and develop their skills.
He was the first Asian Chairman of the Leicestershire branch of the Institute of Directors, and the first Asian to be appointed to the Board of Leicestershire County Cricket Club, serving from 2010 to 2013 and again from 2019 to 2021. In 2008, he became the first Asian to win Entrepreneur of the Year at the Leicestershire Business Awards. He went on to receive Entrepreneur of the Year at the World Food Awards in 2010 and again at the MSDUK Awards in 2016.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to business and charity, Shahid was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours in 2013. Under his leadership, Clifton Packaging was named Packaging Company of the Year at the prestigious UK Packaging Awards in 2019. That same year, Shahid received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the World Packaging Organisation, a particularly significant honour as he is the only recipient from the UK and the youngest person globally to receive this award.
In 2024, after more than four decades of leadership and growth, Clifton Packaging Group was successfully sold, however the entrepreneurial journey now continues with many new ventures that Shahid is involved in
Mentoring & Education
Shahid has always been passionate about supporting the next generation. He has been involved in mentoring for many years and has been a fundamental part of many young entrepreneur’s journeys. His roles include:
- Entrepreneur in Residence at the University of Leicester
- Volunteer Mentor at Loughborough University
- Advisory Board Member of the Business and Law Faculty Board De Montfort University
Philanthropy
Shahid’s philanthropic contribution and drive to help others has seen him involved with many charities over the years such as:
- The British Asian Trust
2007 – Present - Midlands Chapter Chairman of the British Asian Trust
2020 – Present - Past Chairman of the Shahid Afridi Foundation UK
2014 – 2019 - Chairman of the Leicester 500 Round Table
2008 – 2009 - Trustee of Clifton BABA Foundation
2016 – present - Chairman, Leicester Branch of the Institute of Directors
2009 – 2012
Currently Shahid is also an Export Champion for the DBT (Department of Business and Trade).
