Tell us about yourself and your career/business?

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I’m a Geordie born and bred, and after time working away, I came back to the North East because I believe in the power and potential of this region.Following a successful corporate career where I led on some of the most innovative projects within the industry, over the last 20+ years, I’ve been fortunate to build and lead several ventures under the Ammar M Group of Companies, including ISS Airview and ISS Freeports, the SME Centre of Excellence, PIE Project Charity and the not-for-profit ABConnexions CIC.  Across these, we’ve helped support thousands of individuals and organisations within the public, private and third sectors.  At the heart of everything I do are three pillars. Innovation, Investment, and Internationalisation, but underpinned by something even more important. People.

What inspired you to get involved with Smart Works?

Smart Works struck a chord with me because I’ve seen first hand how confidence and opportunity can change lives, especially for women who too often face barriers in the workplace. My late mother was my biggest inspiration. She worked 18-hour days, raised a family, and still gave back to her community. Her resilience and strength remind me why initiatives like Smart Works are so important. They provide the tools, encouragement, and belief that can unlock someone’s potential.

What does being a male ally mean to you?

Being a male ally isn’t about speaking for women. It’s about standing alongside them, amplifying their voices, and removing barriers that shouldn’t be there in the first place. It means using whatever influence or platform I have to make sure equality isn’t a slogan but a reality. For me, allyship is active, not passive.  And it’s something I have been doing for most of my life.

Which woman from the North East do you admire and why?

I’d have to start with my late mother, Salim. Her hard work,determination, and compassion shaped who I am today and inspired countless others. Beyond family, there are honestly too many inspiring women in the North East to mention. We are incredibly fortunate as a region. To highlight just a few. Dame Irene Hays, who has been an outstanding ambassador for the North East; Sam Allen, CEO of the ICB, whose leadership has been transformative in health and care; and of course, Sophie Millikin and the whole Smart Works team,who are making such a tangible difference every single day.  😊

What advice would you give to other men who want to get involved but don’t know where to start?

Start by listening. Truly listen to women’s experiences,reflect on them, and be open to challenging your own assumptions. Then, do something practical. Show up, support, sponsor, mentor, and speak up when you see inequality. Allyship doesn’t need to be perfect. It needs to be consistent.But above else just get going.

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How do you help raise awareness and support Smart Works within your workplace or wider network?

Through the SME Centre of Excellence, Asian Business Connexions, and my wider group of companies, I make sure Smart Works and similar initiatives are visible, championed, and connected into the ecosystem.That means signposting women to their services, collaborating on events, and making sure they’re included in conversations about skills, enterprise, and growth. I also use platforms like LinkedIn, my radio show, and speaking engagements to raise awareness and share their incredible impact with as wide an audience as possible.

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