Herts graduate behind multi-million pound global sneaker-care brand awarded honorary doctorate

A University of Hertfordshire graduate who helped transform a niche sneaker-care product into a global business sold in more than 30,000 stores worldwide has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Business.

Nohman Sultan Ahmed, co-founder of internationally successful brands Crep Protect and PresentedBy, has been recognised by his former University for his outstanding achievements in entrepreneurship, innovation and business leadership.

Together with his brothers Rizwan and Imran, Nohman has built a portfolio of businesses spanning consumer products, retail, media, investment and philanthropy, establishing himself as one of the UK's most successful entrepreneurs.

After graduating from the University of Hertfordshire in 2009 with a degree in Aerospace Technology with Management, Nohman began his career as a Manufacturing Research Engineer at BAE Systems, helping improve operational efficiency and reduce machine downtime.

However, it was entrepreneurship that ultimately captured his attention.

In 2012, Nohman and his brothers identified an opportunity in an overlooked market. Lifelong sneaker enthusiasts, they recognised that while consumers were spending hundreds of pounds on footwear, the shoe-care market had failed to evolve alongside sneaker culture.

Their solution was Crep Protect.

What began as a simple idea quickly developed into one of the world's most recognisable sneaker-care brands. Through innovative marketing and a deep understanding of consumer culture, Crep Protect rapidly gained a loyal following and expanded from independent retailers into major international chains, including Foot Locker and JD Sports.

Today, the business sells millions of products each year across more than 100 countries. It has held the worldwide licence for Adidas shoe care and has developed innovative retail experiences, including in-store sneaker-cleaning services.

The company's rapid growth attracted widespread recognition. In 2018, Crep Protect was ranked the second-fastest-growing independent business in the UK in the Sunday Times Fast Track 100 and seventh-fastest-growing company in Europe in the Financial Times FT 1000.

Building on that success, the brothers launched ‘PresentedBy’, a premium sneaker and streetwear brand that has become known for blending luxury retail with contemporary culture and creating distinctive customer experiences.

Alongside their commercial ventures, they established the Pure Heart Foundation, extending their impact beyond business through charitable and humanitarian initiatives.

As his entrepreneurial career has grown, Nohman has become an increasingly influential figure within the UK business community. He has served as a judge for both the Great British Entrepreneur Awards and the Islam Channel Business Awards, been recognised among Lloyds Banking Group LDC's Top 50 Most Ambitious Business Leaders and was featured in 300 Years of Leadership and Innovation by St James's House.

Talking about being awarded the honorary doctorate from the University of Hertfordshire, Nohman said:

"My academic journey and the beginning of my professional journey started at Herts, so it is a huge honour to return and receive this doctorate.

"When my brothers and I started our first business, we had a vision, a lot of determination and a willingness to learn. There were challenges along the way, but we never stopped believing in what we were building.

"If there is one lesson I'd share with students and aspiring entrepreneurs, it's to back yourself, stay resilient and keep moving forward. Success rarely happens overnight, but hard work, persistence and passion can open incredible opportunities."

Professor Anthony Woodman, Vice-Chancellor at the University of Hertfordshire, said:

"Nohman's journey is a powerful example of what can happen when entrepreneurial vision is matched with determination, innovation and the confidence to challenge established markets.

“After graduating from Herts, he chose not to follow the expected path. Instead, he identified an opportunity, backed an idea and helped build a business that has grown from a start-up venture into a globally recognised brand sold in thousands of stores around the world.

“What is particularly impressive is the breadth of that success. Through entrepreneurship, investment and philanthropy, Nohman has demonstrated how business can create value far beyond commercial returns, generating jobs, inspiring future entrepreneurs and delivering positive social impact.

“His achievements reflect the qualities we encourage in our students: curiosity, ambition, resilience and a willingness to think differently. He has shown that a great idea, combined with hard work and persistence, can create opportunities on a global scale.

“This honorary doctorate recognises not only Nohman's outstanding success as an entrepreneur and business leader, but also his contribution to innovation, enterprise and the wider business community. We are proud to welcome him back to Herts and celebrate a graduate whose influence extends far beyond the businesses he has helped create."

Find out more about studying at the University of Hertfordshire.

Pictured left to right: Nohman Sultan Ahmed with University of Hertfordshire Vice-Chancellor Professor Anthony Woodman.