Mohammad Arshad Ali

Mohammad Arshad Ali

Mohammad Arshad Ali, Founder of Cheshire Homes Group.

Mohammad Arshad Ali is a British businessman and philanthropist, known as the founder and chief executive of Cheshire Homes Group. Based in Manchester, he established the company in 1997. He developed it into one of the country's best-known property investment and development businesses, delivering residential and commercial schemes collectively valued at more than £1Bn. The group owns hundreds of properties across North West England and is active in development, investment, and trading.

Early Life

Mohammad Arshad Ali was born in Pakistan and moved to Manchester in his early teens, joining his father, who had emigrated to the United Kingdom in 1962 to build a textile import, export and retail business. The family lived in Chorlton and later Old Trafford, and Mr Ali attended school in Trafford.

He began working at a young age in the family retail trade, operating a market stall at Preston Markets. After his father's death in 1979, he took over the stall and expanded it into a chain of 6 fashion and retail outlets, later selling the business before entering the property sector in 1994.

Career

Mohammad Arshad Ali entered property investment in the mid-1990s, purchasing and refurbishing terraced houses in South Manchester and letting them to students and professionals. Following the success of these initial investments, he founded Cheshire Homes (UK) ) Ltd in 1997.

Mohmmad Arshad Ali with David Cameron, at Private Dinner

Under his leadership, the company expanded into a multi-division property group covering residential development, commercial property, sales and investment. In 2004, he received the Lloyds TSB Asian Jewel Award — Business Excellence category, recognising his achievements in the sector. By 2012, Cheshire Homes assembled a portfolio of more than 500 properties across the North West and established working relationships with local authorities, housing associations and social housing providers. This portfolio has continued to grow in subsequent years, with hundreds of additional properties acquired and developed. In 2002, Mr Ali successfully challenged a legal dispute concerning a land purchase against HM Land Registry; the success of Mr Ali resulted in the establishment of a new law in the UK, culminating in a Court of Appeal judgement in Malory Enterprises Ltd v Cheshire Homes (UK) Ltd & Others.

Mohmmad Arshad Ali with King Charles III, at a private meeting

The judgment can be viewed in detail here: https://www.bailii.org/ew/cases/EWCA/Civ/2002/151.html

Philanthropy

Mohammad Arshad Ali is active in charitable and community initiatives in both the United Kingdom and Pakistan. He has supported the British Muslim Heritage Centre and assisted with development works at Victoria Park Mosque.

He participated in many fundraising campaigns for disaster relief in Pakistan, including appeals connected to Imran Khan and events addressed by Sayeeda Warsi. These initiatives raised substantial funds for flood victims and humanitarian aid.

Mr Ali is also involved in the Al-Rahman Charitable Trust, which provides free medical assistance to disadvantaged communities in Punjab, Pakistan.

Mr Ali is also the chairman of the Pakistan Dam Appeal, and has raised over £1 million for this project.

Mr Ali continues his support for numerous charities regularly and strongly believes that his success is due to “giving back” and “helping others”.

Personal Life

Mohammad Arshad Ali lives in Cheshire with his wife and four children. Mr Ali is regarded as one of the most influential and active members of the Asian business community in North West England.

Awards & Recognition

Lloyds TSB Asian Jewel Award —Business Excellence category (2004)

Established a New Law in the UK- House of Lords

Recognition within the UK Asian business community for business and charitable contributions