Congratulations to our ACT finalists at this year’s Ardonagh Spotlight Awards
On 27 June, The Ardonagh Group came together from around the world at the annual Spotlight Awards event to recognise colleagues who have gone above and beyond.
2024’s highly anticipated event took place at world-renowned music venue, the Camden Roundhouse, in London. The night saw a record breaking 500 colleagues travel from across the Group and around the world, including Australia, Greece, Ireland, Portugal and Brazil, to see who would be crowned this year’s winners.
One of the categories is the ACT Award, which celebrate incredible individuals and teams across Ardonagh who give back to causes and communities close to their hearts – and centres on recognising people who have quietly and humbly taken action to make a difference to the people and world around them.
The award remembers 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.
This special award is judged by our ACT Trustees and 2024 was a truly tough decision, with the trustees deliberating hard to select a winner from a shortlist of five amazing finalists.
And the ACT Award winner is… Luke Eagle
On the night, announced by Ardonagh and ACT Chairman John Tiner, we revealed the ACT Award winner as Luke Eagle.
As Head of Growth & Specialty, Luke is key member of the Aviso Broking team, part of Envest Group, Ardonagh Global Partners. Having travelled all the way from Sydney, Luke’s journey was well worth the jetlag, as he took to the Roundhouse stage to receive the award.
Luke epitomises determination to do good. At the centre of Luke’s passion to give back is his connection to RUN DIPG, a charity which he co-founded with the parents of his niece who sadly passed away in 2019 aged just four from DIPG. DIPG (Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma) is a form of brain tumour which primarily affects children. A fast-growing tumour, there is currently no cure.
Determined to make a difference to other children and their families, by leveraging his own connections and marketing background, Luke has tirelessly dedicated himself to the charity ever since. Luke stands not only as an example of community spirit but also as a compassionate leader, going above and beyond to support those in need.
Applause to all our finalists
Alongside Luke, we had four further fantastic finalists. Many congratulations too all on our shortlist!
MDS Brasil Apprentice Programme
MDS Brasil, Brazil, Ardonagh Global Partners
Led by members of the MDS Brasil HR team, the apprentice programme has been created working alongside organisations in the community, such as Casa José Coltro in São Paulo – an NGO (non-government organisation) which promotes professional inclusion for young people.
With a true ripple effect, the 18-month programme poses a huge opportunity not just to positively impact young people as individuals, but their families too. As a testament to its empowerment of youth, over 30% of apprentices go on to remain at MDS Brasil to continue their professional journeys.
SRS Fundraising team
SRS Group, Greece, Ardonagh Global Partners
The SRS Fundraising team was involved in an array of charities and causes over 2023 ranging from supporting underprivileged communities, children with additional needs and illnesses affecting young people.
Shining a light on just some of their activities in 2023, the team got behind Tandem, a cause close to many in the SRS Group which supports children with disabilities or additional needs. The team made over 70 hand-made gifts for children connected to the charity as part of Give Back. They also came together to collect donations, clothing and toys for charity, Smile of the Child, and even took part in cooking 2,500 portions of food for a charity event.
Towergate Northampton
General Insurance, UK, Ardonagh Advisory
Over 2023, the Towergate Northampton team relentlessly supported two local causes, The McCarthy-Dixon Foundation, which provides food and essential community support in and around Northampton, and the Cynthia Spencer Hospice which offers palliative care services in South Northamptonshire. From Christmas gift collections and volunteering days to food donations and fundraiser events, the team raised over £4,000 and were even recognised with The Kings Award for Voluntary Service.
Miles 2 Mayo Fundraising team
Arachas, Ireland, Ardonagh Global Partners
The Miles2Mayo Fundraising team is formed of a network of colleagues from across Arachas’s offices and teams. Together, they rallied colleagues throughout the business to get behind Arachas’s spotlight charity, Cancer Fund for Children.
Central to this was the efforts to support Miles2Mayo, which took place in May 2023, and saw Ardonagh Business Development Director and ACT Trustee, Rory Best, walk 300km from Dublin to Cong in Co. Mayo, to fundraise towards the build of a new Daisy Lodge children’s respite centre close to Cong. Whether it was cheering by the roadside, shaking donation buckets or organising local events – there was no stopping their enthusiasm for the cause.
The Arachas Fundraising Team showcase partnership in its true meaning – working together to make a difference to causes that matter.
Atlanta Man Club
Atlanta, UK, Ardonagh Retail
Launched at the very end of 2022, Atlanta Man Club provides a safe space and a platform for colleagues to share experiences, advice and find peer support. It serves as a non-judgmental community of colleagues looking out for one another’s mental health and wellbeing.
Over 2023, Atlanta Man Club developed its monthly meetings and the network grew and grew. Firm believers in furthering dialogue around men’s mental health, Atlanta Man Club are playing their part to create a positive impact both on colleagues personal and professional lives alike.
In recognition of the immense community spirit shown by all our finalists, ACT has donated £500 to a charity chosen by each on our shortlist.
Many congratulations to all once again!