WINNER of The British Diversity Awards

This week has been nothing short of surreal! 🤯

Attending the British Diversity Awards #BDA25 at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House in London, I found myself in 'The Great Room' filled with over 1,200 passionate individuals championing diversity and inclusion.

I was nominated for the 'Hero of the Year' award, sponsored by Boots

Being listed alongside industry giants like KPMG, CapGemini, LV Insurance, and the John Lewis Partnership was an honour in itself.

Never in my wildest dreams did I expect to be recognised, let alone win, but it is only because of the support from my eldest son Charlie and my husband that it is possible. Our small family business, comprising just my son and me, come as a team and support our clients and community as a team so it was only right he joined me on stage.

As they announced my name, I was so unprepared that I hadn't even plotted the route to the stage from our spot at the very back of the room. The walk felt like a marathon, with every eye searching for the unexpected winners. By the time I reached the stage, I was out of breath and utterly starstruck by the incredible audience before me.

I was shaking, shocked, terrified, feeling like a TOTAL imposter, crying - you name it! I have no idea what I said in my speech as my mind blanked out halfway round the room 😂 (But I have been assured I did not swear and it was in English so that's a bonus - Yes I know - me, not swearing?? Who's have thunk it!)

Our motto has always been: #DiverseNotLess. Wednesday evening cemented that embracing diversity doesn't diminish value; it amplifies it. Just because your brain works differently or you process information differently does not mean it is wrong, it does not mean it is any lesser in value!

A heartfelt thank you to all the finalists for their inspiring work, to the sponsors for making such events possible, and to the awards team for orchestrating a memorable evening. Congratulations to all the winners and highly commended individuals - your dedication lights the path toward a more inclusive future for us all.

Being part of such a passionate community was truly amazing. Here's to continuing the journey together!

Special shout out to the amazing people we had the pleasure of sharing a table with last night and you guys made a memorable evening even more fabulous!

To hear such inspirational speeches from the celebrities and all the other winners gives hope and reassures me that, collectively, we are a force for good and my gosh - we're bringing it!

A week that will take me long while to accept as reality but proof that you don't need to be a massive corporation or international organisation to be recognised in your work - you just need the passion and dedication to keep getting up every day, stick to your values and ethics, and have a purpose!

Normal newsletter service will resume in 2 weeks - I'm off to have a large coffee, long dog walk and stare at my trophy (quite possibly) before heading off to the ice rink to watch the eldest in his Ice Hockey match this afternoon!

Have a wonderful weekend everyone - I'd like to close this edition with a wonderful quote that moved me. It is by the Late William Sloane Coffin and I heard it this week for the first time from the amazing June Sarpong OBE in closing her keynote speech:

"Diversity may be the hardest thing for a society to live with and perhaps the most dangerous thing for a society to be without"