Swinton Insurance has announced that it is sponsoring the 2020 British LGBT Awards as the company looks to strengthen its commitment to the LGBTQ+ community.
The leading UK insurance company has joined an array of big name sponsors to support the annual event which celebrates the campaigners, community activists and allies who have done something to advance LGBTQ+ rights during the past 12 months.
Swinton’s support comes after company CEO, Ian Donaldson, stepped up efforts to support LGBTQ+ employees in the business and demonstrate the company’s commitment to serving LGBTQ+ customers throughout the country.
The Atlanta Group, Swinton’s parent company, recently announced plans for a brand new internal ‘Pride’ network which Mr Donaldson will lead as its executive sponsor.
The British LGBT Awards is the UK’s biggest LGBTQ+ awards and annually recognises LGBTQ+ celebrities and ‘allies’. Previous winners have included HRH Prince William, Caitlyn Jenner, Sir Ian McKellen and Kylie Minogue.
This year’s ceremony will take place virtually, hosted by TV presenter, Rylan Clark-Neal, on Friday 27 November.
Swinton is sponsoring the Global Impact and the Sports Personality awards.
“The support of organisations like Swinton Insurance is what makes the British LGBT Awards,” says awards founder, Sarah Garrett MBE.
“Swinton have underlined their commitment to the entire LGBTQ+ community in the country by getting involved with this year’s awards. I am especially pleased that they’ve given their support to our first ever virtual event too. Their support, and that our all of our partners, is valued and much needed in what has been a challenging year for everybody.”
Speaking about Swinton’s British LGBT Awards partnership, company CEO, Ian Donaldson, said:
“I am proud that Swinton is partnering with the British LGBT Awards. This is an incredibly important national event which celebrates LGBTQ+ role models, allies, businesses and other organisations who are doing inspirational work to promote diversity and inclusion. Our involvement with the British LGBT Awards coincides with my appointment as Atlanta Group’s lead sponsor of our new ‘OurPride’ network which will see raising the bar even further in supporting LGBT+ colleagues and celebrating the cultural diversity of our team.
The British LGBT Awards is an exciting new partnership and we are delighted to be part of it.”
A variety of famous famous including Sir Elton John, musician Dua Lipa, Gentleman Jack actress Suranne Jones, Years & Years frontman Olly Alexander, RU Paul’s Drag Race star Michelle Visage, model Naomi Campbell, drag superstar Pabllo Vittar and former Welsh professional rugby player, Gareth Thomas, are among some of the 2020 nominees.
Meanwhile, organisations and big businesses with a track record of promoting equality and diversity are also nominated including Sky UK, Renault, Disney and Heathrow Airport. LGBTQ mental health service, Mind Out, and homeless charity, The Outside Project, are also in the running for awards.
Swinton launched its partnership with the British LGBT Awards with a special edition rainbow coloured Bentley car at the company’s headquarters in Stoke-on-Trent.
