- ABOUT

Shahid Sheikh OBE

Shahid Sheikh OBE is an entrepreneur and past Director of Clifton Packaging Group Ltd (1983 - 2024) which today proudly stands amongst the best in the world of flexible packing, supplying mainly the FMCG food industry. Shahid is married to Farhana and they have three children Hamza, Jamal and Laila. This page will demonstrate Shahid's achievements, notable stories and various involvements over his many years of success. View Shahid's video below which charts his first 30 years in a rap song:

Early Life

A Rags to Riches story…

Shahid Sheikh OBE was born in Uganda, where he spent his early years before moving to the UK. His family was part of the thriving South Asian community in Uganda, which had a significant presence in the country’s business sector during the mid-20th century.

The Asian community in Uganda, including Shahid Sheikh’s family, faced significant challenges during the regime of Idi Amin, who became the country’s president in 1971. In 1972, Amin ordered the expulsion of all Asians from Uganda, accusing them of economic sabotage and giving them just 90 days to leave the country. This decree affected around 80,000 Asians, many of whom were forced to leave behind their businesses, homes, and wealth.

Shahid Sheikh and his family were among those who were expelled. They moved to the UK, where they had to start over with very little. This challenging period had a profound impact on Sheikh’s life and later business philosophy. The experience of displacement and starting anew in a different country instilled in him resilience, adaptability, and a strong work ethic, which would later drive his success in the UK.

Business Journey

Success is not a destination, success is a continuous journey…

Establishment of Clifton Packaging Group

Clifton Packaging Group Ltd started out in London in 1981 selling carrier bags wholesale, before moving to Leicester in 1983. Today the successful company supplies printed packaging, packaging machines and contract packing to a wide variety of customers in the FMCG sector.

A specialist in flexible packaging including lidding films, barrier films and stand up pouches, Clifton Packaging Group not only produces high quality packaging, it also builds and sells bespoke filling machinery and offers contract packing for customers. Based in a large purpose-built facility on the Meridian Business Park, in Leicester, the company was established by the Sheikh family and came from humble beginnings.

‘I sometimes have to pinch myself to check if this is reality,’ said Shahid Sheikh about the company’s, and indeed his family’s, journey from rags to riches.

One of the hallmarks of Shahid’s leadership at Clifton Packaging has been his focus on innovation and sustainability. He led the company in investing in cutting-edge technology, and environmentally friendly packaging materials. This commitment to innovation not only set Clifton Packaging apart from its competitors but also aligned the company with the growing global demand for sustainable packaging solutions.

A local business magazine The Insider once quoted that “Shahid is a very eccentric character but he cannot mask that sharp business brain.”

Shahid Sheikh OBE hosts Michigan State University Packaging Students in 2017

SPORTS

Shahid was always actively involved in all sports. This passion linked with his business acumen led to Shahid setting up a sports management company where he worked alongside and advised many professional sports athletes.

CRICKET

Shahid has been a prominent supporter of LCCC since 2005 and was a very proactive member and sponsor to the club. Shahid sponsored the club to go to Sri Lanka and India as well as sponsoring most of the overseas teams that visited LCCC.

In 2007, Shahid was appointed as a Cultural Ambassador for Leicestershire County Cricket Club. This was the first appointment of its type in county cricket.

In 2010, Shahid became the first ever Asian Board Director of Leicestershire County Cricket Club in its history where he served for 4 years.

In 2020, Shahid returned and became the second Asian Board Director, serving for a further 2 years.

BOXING

Amir Khan

Shahid first came into contact with Amir Khan and his family in 2006 and after building a close relationship set up Sports Corporation with his uncle and became resellers of Amir Khan’s fight tickets and packages.

Deontay Wilder

Through Shahid’s boxing journey, he became a very close friend of Deontay Wilder. During this time, Shahid designed the official DW logo and supplied Deontay with his first branded DW clothing identity before the first epic Tyson Fury fight. Shahid remains close friends to this date.

Shahid Sheikh OBE with Deontay Wilder, aka the Bronze Bomber

FOOTBALL

Going back since 1998, as one of the original sponsors of Leicester City Football Club, Shahid has held a private box and hospitality tickets for many years. Shahid has sponsored multiple players, which at one point led to setting up a business with Momo Sylla and Didier Drogba.

Philanthropy

Growing up without a support system and experiencing struggles first-hand, Shahid developed a passion for helping others. This led to his numerous involvements with charities and a drive to inspire the younger generation.

British Asian Trust

Shahid Sheikh OBE, Chair, Midlands Chapter of the British Asian Trust,
“I hope that by chairing the Midlands Chapter I will encourage the British Asian diaspora and others here to wholeheartedly support the amazing programmes of the Trust across South Asia.”

Shahid Afridi Foundation

In 2014, Shahid was appointed the Chairman of the Shahid Afridi Foundation UK. The foundation’s core projects relate to Education, Healthcare Services, Access to Water, Sports Rehabilitation and Emergency Relief Response.

Institute of Directors

In 2010, Shahid became the first Asian Branch Chairman (Leicestershire) of the IOD. He held this post for 3 years.

Peter Jones Foundation

Formerly the NEA – National Entrepreneurs Academy.

As one of the original supporters, the students were regularly invited to Clifton Packaging for a day of entrepreneurship experience – hosted by Shahid. This was extremely valuable experience for the students who always gave tremendous feedback.