The University of West London (UWL) has awarded entrepreneur and philanthropist Frank Khalid OBE an Honorary Doctor of Letters in recognition of his contribution to employment, creativity and the cultural and economic life of West London. The award was presented on Tuesday 21 July during the first of nine graduation ceremonies over three days at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham.
Frank Khalid’s business journey began when he left school at the age of 15. Through determination and entrepreneurial vision, he went on to build a business empire valued at more than £100 million. He founded Chak89, one of London’s most celebrated restaurants and banqueting halls, endorsed by Bollywood legends Shahrukh Khan and Hrithik Roshan.
Creating opportunities in film and media
In 2014, Frank founded West London Film Studios (WLFS), helping to establish West London as in important hub for the UK’s film and television industry. The studios have hosted a range of internationally acclaimed productions, including the Emmy-winning series Ted Lasso, Oscar-winning films The Father and Judy, as well as Killing Eve, Burnt, and Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.
WLFS now operates across two sites – Springfield and the newly opened state-of-the-art Parkside site, a pioneering 85,000 sq. ft. green film studio powered by its own gas substation, the first of its kind in the UK.
Frank’s achievements have been honoured with an OBE, the Freedom of the City of London, and most recently Pakistan’s Sitara-e-Imtiaz, the nation’s third highest civilian award, recognising his outstanding services as an overseas Pakistani.
An inspiration for graduands
Introducing Frank at the graduation ceremony, Ryan Callard, Course Leader for BA (Hons) Esports at UWL’s London School of Film Media and Design said:
“At a time when we seek to prepare graduates who are enterprising, globally minded and committed to making a positive difference, Frank Khalid stands as an inspiring example of what those values can achieve in practice.
His achievements remind us that lasting success is measured not only by commercial accomplishment, but by the opportunities created for others and the communities strengthened along the way.”
Addressing the graduands, Frank encouraged them to use their skills to make a positive impact. He said:
“This ceremony marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. You are entering a world that is changing rapidly, bringing both opportunities and challenges. The qualifications you receive today are important, but your character, resilience, and willingness to keep learning will matter even more.
Whatever field you choose, strive not only to achieve success but also to make a positive difference. Use your talents generously, remain open to new ideas, and never underestimate the impact that one person can have on others.”
