Foundation's fourth annual Business Leaders Dinner raises over £15,000

On Wednesday, 20th November, Carrow Road played host to the fourth rendition of our Business Leaders Dinner, an event where we take the time to recognise and reward local businesses and Foundation partners who have gone above and beyond for commerce and connectivity in Norfolk throughout 2024.

The evening kicked off at 6pm in T he Lion & Castle, with our 230 guests arriving to a selection of welcome canapés and drinks. Greeted by live music from Norfolk band Sons of Mark, guests mingled before heading upstairs to the Top of the Terrace to enjoy a formal dinner and awards ceremony.

As guests found their tables, our fantastic hosts – City legend and club ambassador Grant Holt, Richard Pearce (Barclays Private Bank and Wealth Manager and founder of the Business Leaders Dinner) and Sam Richardson (Norwich Accountancy) – got the celebratory atmosphere underway.

With everyone settled in their seats, our hosts drew attention to the reason the Business Leaders Dinner was created: to bring together Norfolk’s business community for an evening of recognition and celebration in support of the Community Sports Foundation.

With that in mind, our hosts highlighted a Foundation programme, the Cerebral Palsy Football Team, who enjoyed phenomenal success last season. Winning not only the league but also the FA Disability Cup, Grant Holt had the pleasure of inviting two of the players, Owen Woodrow and Willoughby Ellson, to the stage to host a discussion about the impact the Foundation has had on them and their teammates. It was a wonderful opportunity for guests to hear firsthand how programmes at the Foundation make a vital difference to lives in Norfolk.

Next to take the stage were guests speakers Norwich City defender Jack Stacey and first-team set-piece coach Nick Stanley, who gave a fascinating insight into life at the Club and volunteering for the Foundation.

With an insight into the Foundation, and those who help to deliver our work complete, the main course was served with a selection of wines kindly sponsored by Uptech Ltd.

The incredible work delivered by the Foundation was further showcased later in the evening through the moving video case study about Hope – a long-term participant on our Realising Potential programme. Hope’s case study provided the perfect backdrop for understanding why the Foundation continues to inspire fundraising efforts.

This, in turn, led to the announcement of two key fundraisers for the Foundation in 2025; the Canaryball Rally and Richard Pearce’s 150-mile challenge in aid of the Foundation and the Big-C. If either sparked your interest on the night, please click here to get in touch.

As with previous years, 2024’s Business Leaders Dinner also featured multiple fun fundraising initiatives throughout the evening – the ever-popular balloon pop lottery, a silent and live auction, a raffle and the simple, yet highly entertaining, head and tails challenge. Our lucky winners walked away with hospitality Norwich City tickets, signed Canaries memorabilia and much more.

With stomachs full, it was time for the award ceremony to commence, recognising a refined selection of business leaders for an array of milestones, achievements, and acknowledgements.

The first award was presented to Clive Johnson from Tarmac. Awarded the Foundation’s Above and Beyond Award (sponsored by Breakwater IT), this accolade recognises a partner who fully embodies the Foundation’s core values—not only by delivering on the activations outlined in their partnership, but by passionately championing our work and offering unwavering support whenever possible.

Co-host Richard Pearce was the winner of the Pay It Forward Award (sponsored by Barclays). Recognised as a Business Leader who has consistently supported the community beyond any commercial advantage, this award highlights Richard’s tireless efforts and endeavour.

The Norfolk’s Future Award (sponsored by Loads4Less) was awarded to Gemma Crane and Jordan King, for showing incredible promise in their early years in business. Having demonstrated true potential, these two individuals were recognised as leaders who will be able to continue to grow Norfolk and what it has to offer in the future.

And finally, the Lifetime Achievement award (sponsored by Lotus) went to Ken Turner for his unbelievable contributions to the local community. Congratulations to all the winners and indeed, the nominees.

Post-event, Head of Fundraising Emma Fletcher-Dungay said:

“Thank you so much to everyone who attended the Business Leaders Dinner or donated a prize for our auction and raffle. Thank you to all our sponsors who contributed to the evening and congratulations to the award winners – all thoroughly deserved.

“A big shout out must also go to Richard Pearce, Sam Richardson, and Grant Holt for their continuous support of the Foundation. Their passion for local businesses coming together to celebrate success is evident to see.

Special Thanks

The Foundation would also like to extend a huge thank you to our Business Leaders Dinner main sponsors: Barclays, Howes Percival, and Norwich Accountancy.

To our wine and award sponsors: Uptech Ltd, Breakwater IT, Barclays, Loads4Less and Lotus.

To the following businesses for gifting a prize of the raffle, balloon pop, heads and tails and live auction: Norwich Accountancy, Coder, Curry’s, Norfolk Hampers, Gone Wild Festival, Azoth Solutions, SKY, A Star Experience, Bread Source, Virgin Wines, Green Farm Coffee, Lotus and Norwich City FC

To our special guests, Jack Stacey, Nick Stanley, Owen Woodrow, and Willoughby Ellson. And last, but by no means least, to our hosts Richard Pearce, Sam Richardson, and Grant Holt.

Click here to view the full photo album of the evening.