Liverpool firms, including Carpenters Group and MS, were among the winners at the British LGBT Awards. Tony McDonough reports
Liverpool’s creatives, charities and business community were among the biggest winners at this year’s British LGBT Awards.
Several prominent figures and organisations took home honours at the star-studded ceremony. Leading the city’s success was insurance insurance law specialist Carpenters Group alongside Michael Boland from law firm MSB.
They were presented with the Daily Mirror Spotlight Award in recognition of their commitment to championing inclusion and support within the LGBTQ+ community.
Kamran Rasul from The Dental Clinic was also celebrated on the national stage, receiving the Business Icon Award for his outstanding contribution to business leadership and advocacy.
The ceremony also paid tribute to acclaimed Liverpool writer and producer Jonathan Harvey, who received a Special Recognition Award for his services to television, film and theatre.
Jonathan, best known for his groundbreaking work across stage and screen, was presented with the honour by fellow Liverpudlian and BAFTA-nominated actor Ellis Howard alongside Coronation Street legend Helen Worth. Ellis also took home the gong for Rising Star.
Liverpool charity Sahir House was also recognised, highlighting its long standing contribution to supporting LGBT+ communities across the region.
Adding to the strong Liverpool presence on the night, actress Sunetra Sarker took to the stage alongside her Loose Women colleagues Jane Moore and Kaye Adams to present Boy George with the Music Icon of the Year award.
The evening celebrated the achievements of individuals and organisations making a significant impact across entertainment, business, sport and public life, with Liverpool talent once again firmly in the spotlight.
Michael Boland said: “I am so surprised to have been honoured at the British LGBT Awards. When I first found out that I’d made the shortlist, I did not expect to win.
“MSB takes diversity and inclusion across the board as a key business priority, so it was great to be able to celebrate with some of the team at the awards.”
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Jonathan Harvey added: “Throughout my career, I’ve simply tried to tell authentic stories that felt truthful – stories about love, identity, friendship and belonging. Stories about ordinary people who live extraordinary lives.
“To be recognised by the LGBTQ+ community in this way means an enormous amount to me.”