Zahid Hussain was first published as a poet in one of Commonword’s anthologies. He has been a member of the Identity writers group. He went on to win a number of poetry slams and to work on some pioneering theatre pieces with the poet, the late Dike Omeje. His first novel, The Curry Mile was published with extensive editorial assistance from Commonword. New Statesman  named it as one of their books of the year in 2006. He is now one of the leading figures in the northern Asian writing circuit. Zahid works as a social entrepreneur, specialising in community based research, regeneration and development. In 2006 he set up the first BME football league in Manchester.  He is available for readings, workshops and consultancy.