Warwick business owner's community efforts recognised at regional awards

Dawood Ibtehsam – founder of People Arches Ltd, the company behind McDonald’s in Emscote Road – has been shortlisted as a finalist for the Inspirational Individual – Businessperson of the Year Award, in the forthcoming Coventry and Warwickshire Business and Community Awards 2026.

The awards, presented by the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, highlight the businesses, community organisations, and individuals making a difference in the local economy and communities.

The winners will be announced at an event on April 23 at the Belgrade Theatre in Coventry.

Dawood’s community work in recent years has included creating a ‘one-stop-shop’ for drop-in services through collaborations with charities and organisations including Coventry, Warwickshire and Worcestershire Mind and Citizens Advice.

The Emscote Road site has hosted CWW Mind’s mobile ‘Safe Haven’ to provide support to those experiencing mental health crisis, before going on to help form a partnership between Warwick Sports Club and the charity in order to provide a bricks and mortar venue for the service.

McDonald’s also hosts a coffee club with CWW Mind and has also partnered with Citizens Advice, whose Mobile Advice Centre (MAC) delivered advice and support from its car park on several occasions.

Dawood and his team have also sponsored local sports teams, taken part in litter picks, donated free meals to families at Christmas, and supported the local council on initiatives to promote Warwick.

The award is the latest recognition to be received by the team, which was honoured by the Warwickshire High Sheriff in 2025.

People Arches was also named as a finalist in The Equality Trailblazer category of the Coventry and Warwickshire Business and Community Awards 2025.

Dawood said: “Community work is something we take incredibly seriously at People Arches Ltd.

"Many people just see the brand name that we work under, but we are a local business and all want to contribute to the community that has welcomed us so wholeheartedly.

“Being shortlisted for this award is a huge shock, and a real compliment, but I couldn’t do anything I do without my team, and without the opportunity to collaborate with organisations throughout the Warwick community – all testament to what can be achieved when we all work together.”