Guests at the event showcased their generosity by participating in the silent auction and pledging donations, as well as providing card and cash donations to the Spread a Smile magicians throughout the evening.

An initial £12,745 was raised on the night — including a large donation from Spring Finance — which was then doubled by MFS’ CEO Paresh Raja, who generously matched the sum raised at the event, bringing the total donation to over £25,000. 

“It’s so important that events like these, as well as celebrating the great and good of the industry, also support worthwhile causes and charities,” said Paresh.

“The B&C Awards have consistently done that over the years, with Spread a Smile having been their partner of choice for the past two years.

“So, thanks go to the B&C team and, of course, to all those who donated on the night — it’s great that we’ve collectively manage to raise such a healthy sum for this wonderful charity.

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“No doubt that money will further the amazing work everyone at Spread a Smile is doing.”

Lucy Jackson, CEO at Spread a Smile (pictured above), added: “We are incredibly grateful to Paresh for his generosity — it was an incredible moment during the awards ceremony when he told me he’d be matching however much was raised on the day!

“All funds raised will support our work, spreading smiles to seriously ill children in hospital.

“I’d also like to say an enormous thank you to the B&C Awards for having us back for a second year, and to all those of you who bid on the silent auction and donated so generously.”

"On behalf of everyone at Medianett Publishing, we sincerely thank all who attended the B&C Awards 2024 and supported the charity with such warmth," commented Beth Fisher, managing director at Medianett Publishing.

"Your kindness has shattered previous charity fundraising records at the B&C Awards, bringing hope to countless children and their families.

“We are especially grateful to Paresh for his extraordinary generosity in matching the donations, which enabled us to raise over £20,000.

"Our deepest appreciation goes out to the specialist finance industry for demonstrating that, together, we can truly make a difference."