London Charity Chief Celebrated As Top Community Hero
Posted on Wednesday 24th June 2009 in News
Tony Shepherd, Chief Executive of Safer London Foundation, is recognised for outstanding community-business links in Business in the Community’s 2009 Awards for Excellence.
Tony Shepherd has today been awarded the London Marks & Spencer Sieff Award ‘for an individual, based in the community, who has best collaborated with business to benefit society,’ one of the most prestigious categories in Business in the Community’s (BITC’s) 2009 Awards for Excellence.
Tony has been recognised for the impact he has made in crime prevention across London. He has formed an effective relationship between business and community groups, acknowledging that it is only by working together that these two sectors can achieve any success in crime prevention in London.
The Marks & Spencer Sieff Award was introduced in 2002 to coincide with Business in the Community’s 20th anniversary, and the retirement of pioneering corporate leader and founder member, Sir David Sieff of Marks & Spencer. This Award pays tribute to the long history of corporate community involvement that the Sieff family promoted.
The Marks & Spencer Sieff award is the benchmark standard for successful community-business collaborations, recognising individuals whose contributions to society - by bringing businesses and communities together - have left a lasting, replicable legacy in the region.
Stephen Howard, Chief Executive, and Business in the Community, said: “I would like to applaud Tony Shepherd for the work which has led to him being recognised as his region’s champion for forging links between businesses and the local community. To be the recipient of the Marks & Spencer Sieff Award shows an outstanding commitment to and understanding of the importance of such relationships.
“Particularly at this time of recession and social unease, it is vital that businesses and communities continue to work with one another to find solutions to their particular challenges. By forging lasting, replicable relationships, all parties can emerge from the recession stronger and more competitive.”
Richard Reid, KPMG London Chairman said, "As Chair of Safer London Foundation I am delighted to see Tony receive recognition for his work as a broker between the corporate world and the community sector. Tony has led the Foundation in its ongoing and successful endeavour to match business mentors with ex-offenders to find them jobs. This cause is particularly close to Tony's heart but only one example of his work to bring business into closer contact with those in our communities who are most in need. I congratulate him on this well deserved award."
Tony Shepherd was presented with his Award at a celebration held at The Whitechapel Gallery on Monday 22nd June.
The Marks & Spencer Sieff Award is made in each BITC region (East Midlands, East of England, London, North East, North West, South East, South West, Wales, West Midlands, and Yorkshire & Humber), and a national recipient, whose initiatives have had wider social impact.