Sponsor License firm wins two national awards

A firm which helps businesses employ skilled workers from overseas has won two national awards – set up to showcase ‘remarkable accomplishments’ of businesses.

Sponsor Licence Specialists (SLS), which navigates the maze of immigration compliance when taking on international talent, has been recognised by the UK Enterprise Awards.

The awards are run by SME News to celebrate the work of Small and Medium Enterprises. And SLS  has been awarded ‘Best Immigration and Legal Service Provider’ and ‘Client Service Excellence Award’.

Moslek Uddin, a director at SLS, said: “It’s great to receive recognition of our work and strong track record of successfully securing skilled workers from overseas.

“When it is not possible to find local talent, we help make the sponsorship process hassle-free. This helps businesses to run smoothly and enables expansion.”

Track record

SLS – with a team of specialists ranging in expertise from immigration to law, to HR – has over a 99 per cent success rate in securing sponsorship and visas with the first application.

In December 2023, the Prime Minister announced a package of measures designed to reduce UK migration and the criteria for compliance has changed.

Moslek, who is an All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) member for ethnic minority business which campaigns on a range of issues, said: “It can be complex process and many businesses owners struggle with making successful applications.

“We deal with the paperwork so entrepreneurs can focus on growing their team and business.”

Business growth

Moslek, who has worked as an executive head chef at a number of highly successful restaurants and ran his own outlet, has experienced first-hand the impact of staff shortage.

He is also CEO for UKCC (UK Curry Connect), a campaign group which has been set up to raise awareness of skills shortages in the Asian catering industry.

He said: “Taking on skilled workers from abroad, when the talent is not available locally, can be beneficial all-round – for the employee and employer, the business’s growth and the UK economy as a whole.”

Immigration is estimated to yield £3.3 billion annually for public finances in the UK, according to the Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR).

SLS provides end-to-end immigration services for the sponsor and employee in a range of industries, including care homes, construction, hospitality and IT.

The UK Enterprise Awards are now in their eighth year and organisers say its aim is to ‘inspire ongoing growth and contribution to the UK economy and society at large’.

Awards coordinator Kaven Cooper said: “I am proud to have hosted this year’s UK Enterprise Awards, where I have had contact with a widely diverse selection of individuals and companies which, in essence, raise the bar for business within the UK.”