Beacon Awards 2013

Published: 8 February 2013

City philanthropists honoured at ceremony

Eleven City philanthropists were named among 33 of the most prestigious philanthropists in the UK as Beacon Fellows for 2013, at the 8th Beacon Awards for Philanthropy held on 6th February at Mansion House, London.

The Awards, sponsored by J.P. Morgan Private Bank and supported by the City Bridge Trust and Pears Foundation, celebrate outstanding philanthropic achievement made by individuals, families and small groups of individuals working collaboratively across seven distinct Beacon categories. They highlight key trends in philanthropic giving and pioneering developments including the growing focus for donations of money, along with time, talents and social capital to support future generations and local initiatives in the UK.

The winners of the City Philanthropy award, a category introduced for the first time this year, were ex-Man Group, former Goldman Sachs and Prudential chairman Harvey McGrath, entrepreneur John Stone who made his wealth in insurance, and a group of nine young professionals from a number of City firms who together founded the Young Philanthropy Syndicate: Michael Harris, Adam Pike, Sam Cohen, Alex Dwek, Alex Gardner, Paul Gorrie, Niccolo Manzoni, Jack Prevezer, Conor Quinn.

Both McGrath and Stone won special Judges Awards for their philanthropic work and as role models, along with author JK Rowling and Sir Vernon Ellis.

Tracey Reddings, Head of UK Private Wealth Management at J.P. Morgan Private Bank added: “The philanthropists that have been recognised across a range of categories have made a significant difference to good causes around the world, as well as those close to home. It is encouraging to see the positive impact donations have made in a period when the UK economy and individuals have been hit by recession, as well as the considerable time and effort being put into making a sustainable difference or significant impact towards such charitable projects. We hope that this year’s Beacon Fellows will promote the fulfillment that philanthropy can bring, and inspire others to start their own philanthropic journey to create legacy for generations to come.”

The Beacon Fellows were selected following a stringent judging process by a panel comprising of some of the leading philanthropists, philanthropy practitioners and advisors in the UK, who whittled down a list of initial nominations made in October. The awards celebrate philanthropists who have set the standards of best practice in philanthropy and whose work in this field has made a sustainable difference, a significant impact, or work to inspire future generations.

For a full list of all the Beacon Award winners, please visit: www.beaconfellowship.org.uk