Atul Pathak

Atul Pathak is one of the UK’s most successful franchise entrepreneurs. Operating in the toughest and most competitive franchise environment, he established his first McDonald’s in 2003 and today runs a twenty-strong restaurant group across the London area. His success is representative of the goals of many aspiring modern day entrepreneurs and based on a foundation of sound business sense, managed risk and a very steep learning curve.

The advice Atul imparts to business audiences through his speaking engagements is considered a vital contribution to their business success by the many who have benefitted from his experience. The style of his ‘What they don’t teach you at business school‘ presentations, is interactive, essential and highly tuned to the modern business environment of today.

Atul employs over 1,600 staff and firmly credits them as the bedrock of his successful business. He places a strong emphasis on the development and training of staff and opened a state-of-the-art training centre, which is also an accredited examination centre, enabling his employees to gain workplace skills and nationally recognised qualifications that are equivalent to GCSEs and A-levels, including a Level 2 Apprenticeship in Multi-Skilled Hospitality.

As well as having a strong focus on his internal customers, Atul takes pride in delivering the highest level of customer care for visitors to his restaurants. For him, customer focus is not just his domain, but the responsibility of everyone within the organisation.

Atul believes that operating a business and being socially responsible are inextricably linked and dedicates a significant amount of his personal time to supporting community and charity groups. One of the charity’s close to Atul’s heart is Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC), which provides free ‘home away from home’ accommodation at hospitals across the UK, enabling families to stay close to their child and maintain a degree of normal family life. Atul’s restaurants donate a percentage of their sales to the charity each year.

Atul’s community work extends to supporting a number of youth football teams to nurture local football talent. In addition, he cares a great deal about the environment where his restaurants operate and has carried out a number of clean up campaigns to help enhance the local environment. Through his relationships with a number of education business partnerships, Atul is also able to support education projects at local schools. He is extremely proud to be able to give something back to the community and, as a result, is held in high regard by many including the local police, schools and charities.

Atul supports budding entrepreneurs and has delivered speeches about his experience of setting up and running a business at a number of venues including the British Library, Cranfield University and Deloitte.

In spite of what he has already achieved, Atul has no intention of slowing down. He is always looking for the next project, whether that is to continue expanding his business, becoming involved in a new local initiative, or helping to fundraise for one of his charities. One thing is for sure: Atul will continue to inspire those around him.

Honours and Awards

Silver Award, British Franchise Association (2007)

Finalist, Asian Jewel Awards (2009)

Asian Leadership in Franchise Award, Asian Who’s Who International (2010)

Ealing Community Award (2011)

Social Entrepreneur of the Year, GG2 Leadership Awards (2011)

Pravasi Award, Non-Resident Indian Institute (2012)

Franchisee of the Year Award, English Asian Business Awards (2012)

Business of the Year Award, Asian Lite Business Awards (2012)

British Airways Community Champion Award (2012)

Chairman, Southall Ward Focus Group

Trustee, Hindu Temple and Community Centre