Anwar Ali OBE is the Co-Founder and CEO of Uptum Enterprise, one of the UK's leading social enterprises. For more than two decades he has worked at the intersection of social mobility, economic development, enterprise and technology, building the systems that help people and businesses grow.

Awarded an OBE for services to social enterprise, Anwar combines commercial leadership with a passion for creating inclusive economies. He has helped programmes across employability, business support, digital innovation and place-based regeneration work in partnership with government, local authorities and communities across the country.

His leadership continues to shape Uptum's growth through ethical AI, social innovation and partnerships that create lasting impact for people, businesses and communities alike.

Maria Williams co-founded Uptum alongside Anwar over twenty years ago and has been instrumental in developing the organisation's people-first culture. With extensive experience in HR, coaching, safeguarding and organisational development, Maria oversees people, culture and wellbeing.

She has supported thousands of individuals to build confidence, develop new skills and gain meaningful employment for her corresponding leadership and practical approach. Maria ensures every programme is centred around the individual, creating environments where people feel supported, valued and empowered to achieve their potential.

Areas of expertise include Human Resources, Coaching, Workforce Development, Safeguarding, Wellbeing and Leadership across the organisation's many partner programmes.

Muzahid Khan MBE DL is an internationally respected leadership coach and Deputy Lieutenant for Greater Manchester. Recognised for his service to the community, business leaders and high-performing teams, Muzahid brings decades of experience supporting entrepreneurs, business leaders and individuals to develop executive confidence and high-performing habits.

At Uptum he works with business owners, executives and individuals to develop the leadership skills and mindset needed to make meaningful, sustainable change stick — with a hands-on, personal-centred approach.

Chelsea Cook leads across Uptum's employability and employer engagement programmes. She supports individuals to build the confidence, skills and behaviours needed to succeed in today's job market, working closely with local employers to open doors to real opportunity.

She builds strong relationships with employers while delivering tailored coaching that helps people identify career opportunities, improve employability and progress into sustainable employment. Chelsea is passionate about helping people recognise their strengths and supporting learners to access diverse, rewarding work.

Adam Jenkins leads Uptum's Alternative Provision, providing strategic leadership for programmes designed for younger people who face barriers in mainstream learning. Staying in partnership with schools, local authorities and education providers, Adam oversees the design and delivery of tailored interventions that improve attendance, build engagement and help young people re-engage.

Adam is passionate about training inclusive learning environments where young people feel valued, supported and inspired to succeed, helping them fully achieve their potential — going further to build necessary skills for independence and adulthood.

Meena leads Uptum's Talent Coaching service, supporting individuals to develop the confidence and practical skills needed to progress in employment and career development. Drawing on her background in law coaching and a compassionate, person-centred approach, Meena combines empathy with employers, working closely with employers, training providers and strategic partners to maximise outcomes and lasting change.

Frank Drainey is Uptum's trusted Chartered Accountant, providing strategic financial oversight, governance and commercial advice to support the organisation's long-term sustainability. With extensive advisory experience across businesses, charities and social enterprises, Frank supports financial planning, compliance, risk management and sustainable growth.

His insight helps Uptum continue to invest responsibly while maximising the impact of its work across people, communities and enterprises. Frank's expertise provides the strong financial foundations that enable Uptum to innovate and grow well while lasting social value.