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Celebrating our ACT winners and the power of giving at The Ardonagh Group Spotlight Awards

In July, the c. 10,000 Ardonagh community came together to recognise colleagues who have gone above and beyond at the annual Spotlight event.

This year’s much anticipated event took place at the prestigious Victoria & Albert Museum in London. The night saw 400 colleagues travel from across the Group and around the world, including Australia, Greece, Ireland and Brazil, to see who would be win the sought-after awards.

One of the 10 categories is the ACT Award, which recognises the individuals and teams across Ardonagh who give back to communities close to their heart. It celebrates those people who quietly and humbly make a big impact, making a difference to the people and world around them.

The award is in memory of Andy Coles, former Managing Director of Lutine and Employee Representative to the ACT board. As a strong advocate of ACT and charitable endeavours, including the Ride4Life charity cycle event, Andy was committed to giving back and supporting causes in need and this award recognises that philanthropic spirit in others. In this spirit, the ACT Award goes to people who never give up giving back and inspire others to follow their lead with generosity and humility – just like Andy.

As with the other award categories, we were overwhelmed by all the nominations put forward and as ever, it was an incredibly tough decision for our ACT Trustees to select the winner from the five finalists.

Kelly Ann Knight and Derek Coles stood with ACT Spotlight Awards winners, Kam and Helen
ACT Trustee and Andy’s brother Derek Coles and Spotlight host Kelly-Ann Knight alongside winners Kamran Khan and Helen Williams, holding their awards with pride.

After much deliberation by the ACT Trustees, we are delighted that the ACT Award 2023 was given to not one but two fantastic colleagues who epitomise the spirit of the category and presented by Derek Coles, ACT Trustee, CEO of Retail MGA – and Andy’s brother.

Helen Williams

Helen is the at the soul of the Geo Agriculture business. Time and time again, she has organised charity events and fundraising feats within the office and the team and always with a smile.

I feel really honoured and emotional to have received this really special award at what was a truly amazing and unforgettable evening. It’s so important to me to give back because you never know one day you might need the support of a charity so anything we can do no matter how big or small is fantastic, it’s not about winning races it’s just taking part that counts.
Helen Williams, Geo Agriculture, Ardonagh Advisory

Kamran Khan

Kamran is involved in all manner of community causes and charities – both within the Atlanta business and in his local community. He’s a passionate advocate of young people and mental health and has been involved in setting up wellbeing support groups and getting Atlanta colleagues involved in charity sporting events.

It was a real honour to be nominated for the ACT Spotlight Award, winning it has just made me feel on top of the world. It was a great night, and I am overwhelmed with the support I have received from my colleagues!
I gain so much from giving back, I gain an insight into different social environments, friendships and a new way in looking at the world! My faith has taught me to show compassion and help those in need, I would definitely encourage this as it is truly rewarding.
Kamran Khan, Atlanta, Ardonagh Retail

We also congratulate their fellow finalists…

Robus Gibraltar Charity Committee

The committee was established in 2021 by just four colleagues, whose community spirit and relentless ambition have raised in that time over £16,000 for a range of charities. In true Ardonagh fashion, they’ve completed several fundraising challenges along the way, including scaling the Rock of Gibraltar five times to raise money.

It was amazing to be part of the Spotlight Awards. It’s so important that we give back to our local community and it’s brilliant that Ardonagh supports us in our fundraising so we can give even more back to the community!
Daniela, Beth, Linda and Bethany, Robus Gibraltar Charity Committee

Atlanta Our Origins Committee

Every member of the Our Origins committee believes and takes action to champion diversity and inclusion within and beyond the workplace. They are firm allies and hosted their very first Break the Bias event to improve outcomes for minority ethnic colleagues and advocate positive change.

It was a privilege to share the evening with such a diversity of talented people from around the world. The scale of Ardonagh really became apparent and it was great to see that good humour and celebration is a part of our global culture. Ardonagh Retail did overwhelming dominate the dancefloor though!
Atlanta Our Origins Committee, Ardonagh Retail

Towergate Manchester office

Towergate Manchester embody team spirit. In 2022, not only did they come together as colleagues, they also joined with businesses in the building in support of the local Christie hospital to raise funds in memory of a dear colleague. They are always looking for new ways to give back and support one another.

The night was truly spectacular and we felt very lucky to be a part of the celebrations. Giving back not only helps our chosen charities but draws us together as a team!
Towergate Manchester

In celebration, ACT has made a donation of £1,000 to each of our fantastic ACT Spotlight finalists towards their charity of choice, as an extra nod of appreciation. We are delighted to have had the chance to support:

We can’t wait to see who the heroes of 2023 will prove to be when Spotlight returns next year…

People holding drinks and talking in the drinks reception of the Spotlight Awards event
The Spotlight guests were welcomed to a beautiful drinks reception as the night began.
People cheering and waving flags in the dining room of the Spotlight Awards event
Ardonagh colleagues celebrate together at the event, held at the Victoria & Albert Museum.