Businesses, schools, charities and local councillors came together at the Victory Services Club’s glamorous ballroom on 3 June 2026 for the Marble Arch BID’s first-ever employee volunteering awards, Moments That Matter.
Seven winners were crowned amongst a strong field of 17 finalists from across 190 BID member companies, who had been nominated by colleagues for their extraordinary contributions to the local area. Moments That Matter recognises that no volunteering contribution is too small or too big. We believe every act of volunteering helps build stronger, more connected communities.
The event was more than an awards ceremony, it was a celebration of community, built on the relationships and partnerships that are the fabric of a connected and thriving community: from the entertainment by a local school to the catering by a local supported employment programme and the charity-led judging panel.
Following a call for nominations in April 2026, a community panel comprising representatives from Feathers Marylebone, Penfold Age Well Centre and Learning Disability Network London reviewed the applications and selected the winners. The panel was impressed by the exceptionally high calibre of entries, making the judging process a challenging one.
Fast forward to the event itself and as guests arrived they were welcomed with a red-carpet experience and the opportunity to capture photos against a stunning Moments That matter mural, supplied by Event Wall.
Guests also had the chance to connect with fellow volunteers, community partners and local businesses, sharing experiences and celebrating the collective impact of the programme before the awards ceremony began.
Guests were treated to a selection of delicious canapés prepared and served by LDN Eats, a supported employment programme. Only 5% of adults with learning disabilities are in paid employment, however many want to work and are more than capable. The BID’s new partnership with LDN Eats will offer opportunities for our business members to support or employ recently trained local people starting out on careers in catering and hospitality.
The event then kicked off with a showstopping performance from students at one of our BID member organisations, the renowned Sylvia Young Theatre School, setting the ceremony up in style with a rousing rendition of Spread The Love Around from the musical Sister Act. The performing arts students put their own twist on the performance, sampling disco classics such as Le Freak by Chic and Boogie Wonderland by Earth, Wind and Fire, to help get the party started.
Serving as Master of Ceremonies, BID Chairman and Chief Executive of the Victory Services Club, Colin Francis CBE, brought his trademark warmth and charisma to the event, ensuring guests felt welcomed and entertained throughout the afternoon.
Guests got a first glimpse at the BID’s new community video on the main screen, reflecting on another successful year which has seen demand for local volunteering opportunities rise for the fifth consecutive year. Last year, the BID facilitated 377 volunteers from across its membership to support 20 local causes from schools to older people’s centres, disability charities and young people and community hubs.
Winners received certificates and eco-friendly awards, while all finalists were also recognised with certificates and awards in celebration of their contributions. Awards were presented by the BID’s community partners, highlighting the collaborative spirit that underpins the programme. Winners shared short acceptance speeches, reflecting on the impact of their volunteering efforts and thanking the Marble Arch BID and Phil Hanks, the BID’s Community Manager, for their support and commitment to helping them make a positive difference in the local community.
Award winners
The inaugural winners of the awards were:
Environmental Champion
This award recognised the individuals making a meaningful contribution to protecting and improving our local environment.
Winner: Dilpreet Gill, Hilton London Metropole
Skills and Insights
This award recognised those who share their experience, knowledge and lived experience to help others grow, succeed and feel supported.
Winner: James Tarrant, Barclays
Leading With Kindness
This award honours those who place kindness, inclusion and compassion at the centre of everything they do.
Joint winners: Cristiane Martini, Tate & Lyle and Tamera Elmeged, Berkeley Group
Trailblazer
This award recognised the pioneering work, fresh ideas and individuals driving meaningful change across their company for the good of the community.
Winner: Allison Winegarden, Hilton London Metropole
Volunteer Spirit
This award celebrated the individuals whose generosity, dedication and willingness to give their time have made a lasting impression within our community.
Winner: Georgiana Marius, Marriott Marble Arch
Judges’ Choice
This award was selected from among the outstanding nominees who were not successful in the main award categories by the Community Panel as deserving of special recognition.
Winner: Winston Robinson, Hammerson
Moments That Matter recognises the huge impact that volunteering has on building stronger, more connected communities. The event showcased the commitment, innovation and energy of our BID members in this space.
We would like to congratulate all the winners and nominees and thank everyone who helped make the day so special. It was a powerful reminder of the strong connections being built across our connected and thriving community.Kay Buxton, Chief Executive, Marble Arch London BID
Congratulations on all the winners and all the nominees. The full nominee list can be found here.
If you are a Marble Arch BID member and would like to find out more about the wide range of community engagement and employee volunteering opportunities, please contact Phil at community@marble-arch.london.