100 Club Profile: Naveen Ahmed, Parklane Group
Naveen Ahmed is the managing director of Parklane Group.
The leisure, development and property company has been building its business portfolio for 40 years.
Professional and student property brands include Parklane Properties, RentInc and IconInc. Leisure brands comprise Leeds Golf Centre and Roomzzz Aparthotels, while construction firm Broadley Group and Fintech company UOWN complete the portfolio.
Ahmed is a member of the Leeds Community Foundation’s 100 Club, a patronage scheme for individuals who are motivated to make a difference in Leeds.
Here, he discusses what he loves about the city, and why he’s involved in the foundation.
1.What is your favourite thing about Leeds?
My favourite thing about Leeds is the diversity – from Roundhay Park to Leeds Arena, there’s such a variety of things to do. The city centre is thriving and has changed a great deal in the last 40 years. I like that the city centre shops and businesses are within a close proximity of each other so unlike other cities, it’s really easy to explore, as well as being really accessible via motorway links. I’ve also found Leeds to be a friendly and welcoming city.
2.What would you change about the city?
Most importantly, for Leeds United to be in the premier league! I also think there’s a need for a big exhibition facility that would enable us to host more exhibitions and trade shows, inspiring entrepreneurialism and attracting new business to Leeds. There’s also an opportunity for us to invest in our transport network – the prospect of HS2 is really promising for Leeds and will open up our city to commuting across to UK. We really are at the heart of the industrial revolution when it comes to steel and wool and I’d like to see Leeds become a part of the technological revolution too, at the forefront of the latest advances.
3.Why did you decide to join the Leeds Community Foundation’s 100 Club?
We are very proud to have been doing business in Leeds for 40 years and we share the 100 Club’s belief that we all have a duty to support those in our community doing exceptional and inspiring work to improve and transform the area in which we live. Through our broad property portfolio, we have been providing homes to Leeds residents for decades and the important work undertaken by the 100 Club directly impacts and benefits our customers, contributing to the continuous improvement and development of our city.
4.What community issues are important to you and/or your organisation?
Developing Leeds into a thriving city, with attractive and safe neighbourhoods, where residents can access skills development and employment opportunities – the inspiring work of the 100 Club is going a long way to ensure our city is a safe, happy, healthy and desirable place to live, work and play!
