Loft 25 Group

At Loft 25 Group, we create new products and e-commerce brands from conception to launch. We pride ourselves on our ability to develop unique products and the best manufacturing techniques in the industry.

Our team is made up of innovative specialists who have worked in the e-commerce industry for years. We have launched multiple brands across several industries and are able to sustainably grow these businesses. 

We have created a wide range of products including; garden cushions, bean bags, gaming chairs, gymnastics equipment, play sofas and children's furniture. We are able to use our knowledge in product development, sourcing and manufacturing to create new brands from the ground up.

With in-house product design, e-commerce, marketing, manufacturing and distribution facilities in the UK, Netherlands, China and Pakistan, we can scale our products globally.

Chief Executive Officer

Ihsan Venture Studio

At Ihsan Venture Studio, I serve as a founding partner, focused on building and backing the next generation of Muslim-led tech startups. 
Our mission is to revive the entrepreneurial spirit of the Islamic Golden Age, where courage, creativity, and commerce worked in harmony with a modern venture model rooted in excellence, ethics, and impact.

💡 What we do:
We invest at the idea stage, providing up to £60K in capital and a 12-week venture building program including:
	•	Business model validation
	•	Tech build
	•	UI/UX design and GTM strategy
	•	Fundraising and pitch readiness

🎯 Our goal: Launch 100 startups by 2030, with a focus on software-first, impact-driven businesses, 30% led by women.

🤝 My role:
	•	Lead startup technology development and delivery infrastructure
	•	Oversee GTM strategy and digital execution
	•	Mentor founders through the build-and-launch journey
	•	Support capital deployment and investor relations

🚀 We’re creating a de-risked, founder-first ecosystem where Muslim entrepreneurs can thrive, supported by faith, values, and world-class operational partners.

🔗 Learn more: ihsan.ventures

Partner

Cloud Surge

🌩️ Revolutionizing Digital Transformation with Cloud Surge - Your Solution Partner for Power Platform Projects in the UK 🚀

💼 Co-founder at Cloud Surge - We specialize in providing UK companies with ready-to-go remote teams based in Pakistan, focusing on Microsoft Power Platform digital transformation projects. Our mission is to empower businesses with cost-effective and highly skilled resources to drive their digital innovation.

☁️ Brand Vision - We envision a world where businesses transcend geographical limitations, harnessing global talent to accelerate their growth, transform their operations, and achieve unparalleled success.

🎯 Brand Mission - Our mission is to bridge the gap between UK companies and the wealth of talent in Pakistan, fueling economic growth, driving global connectivity, and delivering exceptional Power Platform solutions that reshape the future of businesses.

Brand Values - 🚀 Innovation, 🤝 Collaboration, ⭐ Excellence, 🌱 Growth, 🌍 Global Connectivity

Key Roles and Responsibilities

🌍 Spearheading the establishment of Cloud Surge's unique model for remote Power Platform teams, maximizing productivity and value for our clients.
🌍 Cultivating strategic partnerships with UK businesses and Power Platform experts to foster collaboration and drive impactful digital transformations.
🌍 Developing and implementing our in-house Power Platform Training Academy, nurturing a continuous pipeline of highly skilled resources.
🌍 Managing client relationships, ensuring service delivery surpasses client needs and expectations.
🌍 Guiding the strategic direction of Cloud Surge, aligning it with our vision of delivering cutting-edge Power Platform solutions.
🌍 Establishing Cloud Surge as a prominent brand in the UK market, embodying the values of remote working, excellence, and exceptional service.

Skills: Leadership · Strategic Planning · Relationship Management · Training · Business Development · Brand Strategy · Team Management

Co-Founder

TriVA Global

🌐 Pioneering the Virtual Assistance Industry in Pakistan - TriVA
💼 Empowering businesses with specialized, efficient, and cost-effective virtual assistance solutions, all delivered through our unique pod system.

🔭 Brand Vision - We envision a world where geographical boundaries do not limit opportunities, where individuals and businesses alike can tap into global talent and resources, transforming the way they work, grow, and succeed.

🎯 Brand Mission - Our goal is to bring quality employment opportunities to Gojra, Pakistan, by providing world-class remote assistance services. We are committed to uplifting the local community, fueling economic growth, and driving global connectivity.

Brand Values - 🎓 Empowerment, 💡 Innovation, 🤝 Collaboration, 🥇 Excellence, 🌱 Growth

Key Roles and Responsibilities

🎖️ Spearheading the unique pod-based virtual assistant model to maximize productivity and value for our clients
🎖️ Establishing partnerships with Online Business Managers to enable them to build their own VA businesses
🎖️ Conceptualizing and implementing our in-house VA Training Academy to nurture a consistent stream of skilled resources
🎖️ Managing client relationships and ensuring service delivery aligns with client needs and expectations
🎖️ Steering the strategic direction of TriVA to ensure alignment with our vision and mission
🎖️ Establishing the TriVA brand in the global market, embodying the ethos of remote working and quality services

Skills: Leadership · Strategic Planning · Relationship Management · Training & Development · Business Development · Brand Strategy · Operational Efficiency · Team Management

Founder

GP Triage Ltd

🚀 Transforming Healthcare Accessibility with GP Triage Ltd. - Pioneering AI-Driven Solutions for GP Appointments in the UK 🩺

💼 Co-founder at GP Triage Ltd. - At the forefront of healthcare innovation, we specialise in optimising GP appointment systems in the UK using cutting-edge AI technology. Our mission is to revolutionise patient experience and empower GPs with efficient, digitally-advanced tools.

🩺 Brand Vision - We envisage a healthcare system where timely access to GP services isn't a luxury but a standard, achievable for every patient through digital innovation.

🎯 Brand Mission - Our mission at GP Triage Ltd. is to eliminate the 8am appointment rush, offering a seamless, user-friendly platform for both patients and GPs, ensuring efficient and effective healthcare delivery.

Brand Values - 🚀 Innovation, 🤲 Patient-Centric, 💡 Efficiency, 🌱 Growth, 🌍 Digital Empowerment

Key Roles and Responsibilities

🩺 Driving the development and launch of GP Triage's flagship AI-driven appointment system, setting new standards in healthcare efficiency.
🩺 Building and nurturing strategic partnerships with healthcare providers and tech innovators to enhance service offerings.
🩺 Spearheading the integration of Generative AI and Microsoft Healthbot, showcasing a commitment to state-of-the-art solutions.
🩺 Overseeing the strategic direction of GP Triage, ensuring alignment with our vision of redefining GP appointments in the UK.
🩺 Leading market research and user feedback initiatives to continuously evolve and adapt our platform to meet changing needs.
🩺 Championing the digital transformation in healthcare, reflecting our values of innovation, patient-centric service, and operational efficiency.

Zonky Ltd

🚀 Leading Kids Play Sofa Brand in the UK and Europe - The Imaginative Play Company
🏰  We unleash children’s imaginations with endless possibilities and combinations.

💫 Brand Vision - We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to be the best version of themselves

🧚🏽‍♀️ Brand Mission - We aim to positively impact communities by contributing to early years development through imaginative play

Brand Values - ⭐️ Learning, ⭐️ Compassion, ⭐️ Excellence and ⭐️ Equality

Key Roles and Responsibilities 

🏆 Product concept and ideation to produce a play sofa suitable for UK homes and families
🏆 Brand design and development
🏆 Market research and focus groups 
🏆 Product development and manufacturing analysis
🏆 Sampling and testing to meet furniture regulations
🏆 Social media strategy and content planning

Game Over Ltd

🏆 Game Over is the leader in console seating. 
🎮 Providing pure, unrivalled comfort, our bean bag chairs are created for gamers, by gamers and are designed to give you everything you need to take your gaming to the next level.


Key Roles and Responsibilities 

💡 Product Design and Concept
🎨 Brand Design
👥 Customer Research
⌛ Sampling and Testing
🧠️ Manufacturing Process
💬 Social Media Campaigns
🤸 Ergonomics Research
🧘  Infuencer Marketing

Loft25 Foundation 

The Foundation is the charitable project arm of the Loft25 Group into which a third of the groups' profits are donated. 
The Foundation runs and backs projects that fulfil our values of benefiting mankind, through education, empowerment, knowledge sharing, and a sustainable approach to financing projects for the long term. 
We support grassroots organisations in the heart of our communities and to lead the way in creating innovation to maximise our limited time on earth.

Managing Trustee

Jardine

Jardine was created in 2016 as an export-focused outsourcing unit to take over the production needs of a European client focused on garden cushions for online retail.
As demand grew, new buildings and capacity were continually added. We now utilize over 5000 square meters in our primary factory.
And we’re still growing!
Planning is already underway to create a second purpose-built facility with over 100,000 square meters of space.
Located near Faisalabad, a short distance from the biggest textile city in Pakistan, Jardine supplies outdoor cushions and furniture, using durable, premium-quality fabrics and lock-stitching to handle projects with above-average complication levels.
Jardine is focused on sustainable practices, superior quality, and community outreach and support. Jardine provides a dignified source of income to people in an underdeveloped area. We train new cohorts of applicants each and every month, and our internship and outreach programs enable access to opportunities and careers and drive economic growth in the region.
The continued growth of outdoor living trends around the world as well as the DTC model of retail has ensured continuous growth for the company. However, our focus on quality, integrity and service has remained unchanged since inception.

Gardenista Ltd

Gardenista is the leading Eco-friendly Outdoor Cushions supplier in Europe.
 
🌱 Using recycled materials to make innovative and sustainable designs, the company has transformed outdoor living, creating the ultimate space to enjoy entertaining, relaxing or working.

🌎 Over 1 Million products sold to date with a team of over 200 staff employed across manufacturing and distribution in Pakistan, Netherlands and the UK.


Key Roles and Responsibilities 

🌳 Product development to produce the most extensive range of replacement cushions in the market
🌳 Brand design and development
🌳 Market research and trade exhibitions across the EU market 
🌳 Development of new manufacturing techniques utilising recycled materials
🌳 Sampling and testing to meet furniture regulations in the UK
🌳 Social media strategy and content planning across multiple platforms
🌳 Advertising campaigns and video ads including campaigns on Sky Adsmart
🌳 Sourcing of sustainable filling materials and fabrics for manufacturing internationally
🌳 Custom-designed machinery developed to enable efficient production of eco-friendly fillings
🌳 First 100% recycled packaging introduced to complete the circle of sustainability
🌳 Fabric printing technology installed
🌳 Bespoke cushion manufacturing line for custom sizes and shapes

CEO of Loft 25 Group. Ecommerce Brand Builder & DTC Product Development Specialist

Everyone wants to be an entrepreneur who makes a positive impact. I’ve done it with 12 companies.

I’m Zhagum Arshad, a serial entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience across e-commerce, product development and building innovative brands.

I’ve built and scaled Loft 25 Group, the UK’s leading DTC soft furnishings manufacturer.

And a large list of other businesses across various sectors.

All whilst driving real, tangible benefits to communities on the ground in the UK, Netherlands and Pakistan where our businesses are based.

I created TriVA to do exactly that, providing opportunities for high-quality virtual assistants in my family's hometown of Gojra in Pakistan.

My mission is simple: Use entrepreneurship as a vehicle to drive social impact.

This is what I write about in my newsletter The Purpose Playbook, where I share my experience on the how and why of creating ethical companies which benefit society at large.

I'm always open to exploring collaborations that drive business success while creating positive social impact.

Let's connect if you're creating something meaningful.

Zhagum Arshad

One exam changed the entire direction of our lives.
Grammar school was our ticket out. Now it’s our turn to open those doors for the next generation.

Growing up in inner-city Birmingham in the 80's and 90's, many of us came from migrant households where our parents worked every hour they could just to give us a chance.

The local schools back then?
Tough. Under-resourced. Chaotic.
Educational outcomes were poor.

And the problems that come with inner-city poverty were everywhere.

But a select few of us, and I mean only just a few, were handed a lifeline.
One exam. One opportunity. The 11+.

A test that didn’t care about your postcode, your accent, your background, or the difficulties you carried into the exam hall.

It measured maths. Reasoning. Potential.

And somehow, by the Qadr of Allah, some of us made it through.

When we walked through those grammar school doors, we were the minority.

Less than 10% of the student body looked like us, even though the schools sat right in the middle of our own neighbourhoods.

It’s very different today Alhamdulillah.
 
The schools are now full of bright kids from every background.
 
But in our day?
We were the exceptions.

That opportunity changed everything.

Grammar school took us out of mediocrity and placed us in environments that raised our ambitions, broadened our horizons, and pushed us to our limits.

We grew up and scattered across the world as founders, CEOs, surgeons, academics, technologists, creatives, problem-solvers.

So the question that comes up now is:
How do we give back the chance that someone once gave to us?

That’s why the Old Edwardians Muslim Network (OEMN) exists.

A group of alumni from all Birmingham grammar schools, united by faith, brotherhood, sisterhood, and a shared responsibility to lift up the next generation.

Because 30–40 years later, our young people in inner-city Birmingham still don’t have consistent access to:
 🚫 Mentorship
 🚫 Guidance
 🚫 Work experience
 🚫 Internships
 🚫 Real networks
 🚫 Exposure to opportunity

We benefitted.
Now it’s our turn to pay it back.

If you attended ANY Birmingham grammar school: KES, Aston, Handsworth, Camp Hill or Five Ways and you’ve ever wondered “How can I give back?”

Then this is your moment.
Your city needs you.
And your presence could be the difference between a young person drifting… or discovering their potential.




🎉 OEMN END OF YEAR DINNER – “Leaders of Today and Tomorrow” 🎉
Friday 5th December 2025 at 6pm.

With guest speakers:
 🔹 Ibrahim Khan from Islamic Finance Guru
 🔹 Prof Javed Khan OBE from Equi

Expect an evening of inspiration, mentorship, and real conversations about how we the alumni, the beneficiaries of opportunity can now become the givers of opportunity.


➡️ Tickets: https://lnkd.in/eJqzjVA5

➡️ Join the LinkedIn Group: https://lnkd.in/e6fCFng2

➡️ Website: www.oemn.org

Connecting Entrepreneurs With Outsourced Talent | Serial Entrepreneur | CEO @ Loft25 Group | Angel Investor | Empowering Businesses & Driving Social Impact at Scale

Development Forces

Co-Founder & CEO

Chemonics International

USAID (GHSC-PSM)
• Led a team of 20 professionals to successfully implement complex digital transformation projects that revolutionized healthcare in Pakistan. Responsible for all aspects of the projects, including planning, scheduling, budgeting, risk management, change management, stakeholder management, communication, and quality assurance. Projects were delivered within budget, on-time, and to national acclaim. 
• Developed and executed strategic plans for the Transformation & Excellence Centre for Health (TECH) and the National Health Data Centre (NHDC). Established multi-sectoral linkages and coordinated with government and international donor organizations such as the BMGF, UKHSA, USAID and the WHO. 
• Spearheaded the development and implementation of data-driven digital health products and services. Responsible for ideating the products and services, designing the architecture, and managing the development and implementation process. The products and services have improved healthcare delivery, reduced costs, and saved lives. 
• Strategized and co-ordinated the establishment of the NHDC to improve healthcare decision-making and outcomes. Responsible for developing the overall strategy, managing stakeholders to gain buy-in, and implementing the strategy, including conducting requirement analysis, process mapping, business process modelling, product development and management, change management, and devising use cases, user stories, standard operating procedures and policies for data security, migration, integration, analytics, and processing. 
• Secured a $300,000 grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to develop and implement a plan to strengthen integrated disease surveillance in Pakistan, which has improved disease detection and response.
• Championed the integration of AI in healthcare by developing strategic plans, grant proposals, and government financing to drive AI adoption and innovation in healthcare solutions.

Consultant | Project Manager | Business Analyst

National Institutes of Health Pakistan (NIH)

Program Manager Digital Strategy & Innovation

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Global Grand Challenges Awardee - Plan for Strengthening Integrated Disease Surveillance in Pakistan

Program Manager

National Institute of Health Pakistan (NIH)

Transformation & Excellence Centre for Health (TECH) - Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation project to Digitize Healthcare in Pakistan.

• Led the successful development and deployment of digital health initiatives using agile and waterfall methodologies, significantly enhancing healthcare access to over 60 million citizens, improving data-driven decision-making, and effectively responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. 
• Managed the entire RFP process, developing and producing clear and concise requirements and specification documents from undefined and unstructured information, optimizing project selection processes, software development lifecycle, and resource allocation, resulting in cost-effective project execution. 
• Established and maintained partnerships with international donors and stakeholders, securing funding and support for the expansion of digital health services.

Functional Specialist | Project Manager | Business Analyst

Punjab Information Technology Board

• Leveraged digital health products and data-driven insights to strategize policy for Ministers and Senior Bureaucrats to curtail Corona and Dengue Epidemics. Successfully Achieved year-on-year reduction in dengue patients from 3,300 patients in 2015 to 1160 patients in 2016 to 334 patients in 2017. 
• Evaluated the performance of allied government departments, including the health department, environment department, police, school education department, and higher education department, using data-driven analysis to identify areas for improvement and develop recommendations for improved government performance and resource allocation. Produced data-driven reports and insights that were used by Rawalpindi District Administration to make informed decisions, resulting in a 15% increase in government performance and a 5% reduction in costs. 
• Implemented Monitoring System for Polio Control in District Rawalpindi. Achieved 95% compliance from the district having improved it from below 50% in 3 months.
• Served in Commissioner Rawalpindi's Technical Advisory Team and implemented the COVID-19 Application & Dashboard, enabling efficient monitoring and response to the pandemic situation in the district.
• Trained over 7,000 resources to successfully utilize Android applications and submit standardized reports.

LANGSPIRE

• Led a cross-functional team to develop and implement winning bidding strategies and proposals, increasing the win rate by 20%. 
• Managed the entire bid lifecycle, from RFI to contract award, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and risk management best practices. 
• Collaborated with internal and external stakeholders to gather requirements, analyse data, and develop compelling solutions that met the client's needs.

Bidding Consultant | Proposal Writer

Icarus Incorporated

• Designed and developed a data mining framework that enabled clients to extract insights from large datasets, resulting in a 10% increase in project delivery efficacy. 
• Developed and implemented strategic communication campaigns to mobilize communities and create long-term behavioural changes, driving sustainable development and social impact an increase by 35% in safer charity giving practices. 
• Transformed technical content and conceptual design into polished proposals to procure new business. 
• Crafted detailed technical reports meticulously ensuring client satisfaction.

Consultant | Research Analyst | Technical Writer

Seeds For Peace

Seeds For Peace is a non-profit organization providing vegetable and flower seeds, as well as garden tools, for war- and weather-ravaged people in many nations. This “hand-up” enables war-weary and storm-stricken people to feed themselves, to regain human dignity, and even to work peacefully beside those they once called “enemies”. The following is my role in the organization:

• Led the organization's rebranding and marketing efforts, increasing website traffic by 40% and social media engagement by 150%. 
• Restructured the organization and created specialized departments, upscaling and expanding operations to 17 countries. 
• Secured new grants and donations totalling $20,000 through partnerships with Skidmore College and local businesses, raising more than 3 times the previous year's capital. 
• Earned $2500 by winning 3rd place in the Ken Freirich Social Entrepreneurship Competition.

Director of Marketing and Development | Board Member | Social Entrepreneur

Youth Squared

Youth Squared is a field of interest fund formed under the guidance of the Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region. It has been created to engage young people to think about issues that they care about and to create volunteer or social action projects for youth and by youth. Youth Squared is committed to giving financial and thoughtful organizational support to help interested young people turn their ideas into realities. The following is my role in the organization:

•   Redesigning the organization’s website to improve user interface, accessibility and functionality.
•   Implementing social media program to grow awareness among community and improve civic engagement in society.
•   Developing digital magazine to send to emailing list to keep members invested in the organization.

Digital Marketing and Social Media Consultant | Advisory Council Member

Cross-functional Consultant with 9 years of experience in leading and delivering successful projects on time and within budget. Consistently exceeded expectations and achieved desired outcomes in utilizing skills and knowledge to create data-driven positive social impact and provide intrinsic value through innovative and strategic solutions. Passionate about harnessing technology to improve people's lives and make the world a better place.

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The Battle

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Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}Zhagum Arshad's LinkedIn Performance

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