Organised by Sheffield Chamber of Commerce and supported by Headline Sponsor, The University of Sheffield, the prestigious awards ceremony, took place on Thursday 17 October at the Octagon Centre. The event honoured the brightest organisations, individuals, collaborators, and not-for-profits making an impact in Sheffield right now.
Winners from across 16 categories were announced by special guest host, Ben Hanlin, TV presenter and magician.
The first of these awards was The Chamber President’s Special Recognition Award, which was awarded by Chamber President, Alexis Krachai. Alexis is hugely passionate about connecting culture to recruiting talent, securing investment and creating healthy and inclusive cities. He sees Harmony Works as a huge part of this in Sheffield.
Alexis said: “It has been an honour to be able to bring back The Chamber President’s Special Recognition Award this year, to celebrate a project that truly has a special place in my heart. Well done to Harmony Works. Providing a home for music is incredibly important to the lives and futures of young people and their communities across Sheffield. Plus, the restoration and renovation of Canada House not only rescues a building but keeps hold of a piece of Sheffield’s story for many more years to come.”
Emily Pieters, Director of Harmony Works responded to a packed audience of business leaders and regional representatives: “We are delighted to receive this recognition within the business community of Sheffield. Culture and heritage have so much to offer – they are the lifeblood of a healthy city. We believe the project, which begins with music education, will have benefits which extend widely to placemaking, sustainability, heritage and other improvements to the city too. Everything we do has young people, whatever their background and challenges, at its heart, to encourage them to be the best they can be. Putting young people first is essential to creating a thriving place in which to live and work. That’s what we want for Sheffield.
“Thanks again to Alexis, and the Chamber, for recognising us, sharing our work and championing everything we’re working towards.”
