Managing Director of Leeds-based Abu Bakr Supermarket nominated for prestigious award

Image credit: Abu Bakr Supermarket

Editorial Brief
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Press Release

5th May 2026

A young Leeds business leader has been recognised among the region’s rising stars after being shortlisted for a major industry accolade.

Hamza Hussain, managing director of Abu Bakr Supermarket, has been named a finalist in the Retail / Hospitality Professional of the Year category at the Yorkshire Young Professionals Awards.

The awards, organised by Insider Media, celebrate the achievements of professionals aged 35 and under across a wide range of industries. This year’s ceremony has attracted a record number of entries, underlining the strength and depth of young talent across Yorkshire.

Hamza’s nomination reflects his growing influence within the retail sector and his leadership of one of Leeds’ most recognisable independent supermarket brands. Since taking on the role of managing director, he has played a key role in overseeing operations and driving the business forward while maintaining its strong ties to the local community.

Speaking about his nomination, 22- year old Hamza Hussain said: It’s a real honour to be shortlisted alongside so many talented professionals across Yorkshire. This recognition is not just for me, but for the whole team at Abu Bakr Supermarket who work incredibly hard every day to serve our community and continue building on what has been created over many years.”

The Retail / Hospitality Professional of the Year category is expected to be highly competitive, featuring individuals from across the region’s thriving hospitality and retail sectors.

The Yorkshire Young Professionals Awards will take place at Headingley Stadium in Leeds on 10 June, bringing together hundreds of the county’s leading businesses and emerging talent.

Hussain’s shortlisting highlights the continued importance of independent retailers in Yorkshire’s economy, as well as the growing role of younger leaders in shaping the sector’s future.

Notes to editors

The story began in 1987, when Abid Hussain, then just 17, took over the family business. With long hours, determination and a hands-on approach, he laid the groundwork for a brand that would go on to become a well-known name across West Yorkshire. A major turning point arrived in 2002. Abid Food Store rebranded as Abu Bakr Supermarkets, signalling both a new identity and an ambition to scale. That same year, the company opened its Queen’s Road store — its first step beyond the original premises and the start of a steady expansion strategy. Further growth followed in 2004 with the Roundhay Road branch, strengthening the brand’s presence in Leeds and giving more families access to its value-driven offering. A decade later, in 2015, Abu Bakr expanded again with its Beeston store, a move that bolstered its community footprint in another busy part of the city. In 2017, the business invested heavily in expanding its product range. Fresh produce, halal meat counters, and an extensive selection of world foods were introduced — a strategic shift that aligned the brand more closely with the needs of the region’s diverse communities and cemented its reputation for global choice at local prices. The company’s momentum continued into the 2020s. In 2022, Abu Bakr Supermarkets opened its Kirkstall branch, bringing its services to a new and vibrant customer base and widening its reach across Leeds. In 2025, a flagship store opened in Batley, West Yorkshire.

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