RSM bring their ‘greatest performance’ to open a spectacular night at FB Fashion Ball
Yorkshire business leaders and professionals from across Yorkshire celebrated at the 2024 FB Fashion Ball and raised £42,580 to support numerous local charities across our region by modelling on the catwalk.
The total raised included £8,500 for J9 advisory £100k Charity Challenge and over £4,000 for Life Reach in Bradford from the charity prize draw.
Over 72 well known individuals from some of the region’s top businesses took to the catwalk to model the latest fashion trends at the FB Fashion Ball, held last Thursday at New Dock Hall in Leeds.
Credit: rothreadphotography.com
The annual event now in its 27th year showcased SS24 collections from John Lewis & Partners, Reiss, Mint Velvet, Jigsaw, Hawes & Curtis, Rebecca Rhoades, whilst collaborating with Leeds Smart Works, Nancee and Roc Ethical to create a sustainable fashion scene. The models looked catwalk ready thanks to hair and make-up stylists Creative Ambition and the show was styled and managed by Lisa Darwin, with support from Nasheen Wuisman, ICAEW and Chris Hartley, John Lewis & Partners.
New for this year, the dynamic and talented 32 members of the RSM Choir in Leeds delivered a unique and spectacular performance of the Greatest Showman, raising the roof off New Dock at the beginning of the evening and entertaining an audience more than 550-strong. The evening came to an impressive finish with a glitzy and explosive finale, led by Chris Etherington, Matthew Hoyle, Stephen Green and the RSM Choir performing Never Forget by Take That, created by the Workplace Choir.
Darwin said: “What a night to shout about and so many people to thank. FB Fashion Ball is always a highlight in the Yorkshire business community’s calendar and this year proved no different. Seeing a sell-out room of over 550 people attending and with over 150 people involved backstage was just fantastic. Everyone had so much fun and the feedback from the evening is amazing. I’m so proud of everyone who took part, we had a night of glamourous networking and high celebrations, and we can’t wait for next year.
“The models did a superb job of overcoming their nerves it was great to have familiar faces back and so many new people modelling, many only meeting each other on the day to learn their routines. They showcased some fabulous fashion with style and charisma. I’m so happy for the models and what they’ve achieved as a team, friendships and business connections were made for sure.
“Along with the Yorkshire Business Hero Awards, the evening was a true celebration of what’s great about Yorkshire and the mingling and fun was off the charts. The room looked fabulous and thanks to Lexus Leeds for displaying their new LBX cars, the atmosphere all night was electric.
Credit: rothreadphotography.com
“The number of local charities we have been able to support this year through the models, singers and prize donations is fantastic and confirms the generosity of the Yorkshire business community.
“We’re grateful to our Fashion Partners John Lewis & Partners and Mint Velvet for offering discounts to all FB guests.” See the brochure for details https://fbfashionball.show/brochure/”
“As well as the catwalk show, we had professionals singing for their chosen charity, Hannah Chappell, NatWest with Robbie Williams Angels and Maddie Nicholson, PwC with her performance of When We Were Young by Adele, both girls were outstanding and are so talented.
“The Yorkshire Business Hero Awards took pride of place, honouring the region’s exceptional businesses and individuals. The calibre of nominations this year was impressive, we congratulate all the finalists, and are delighted to applaud our 2024 winners”:
Outstanding Male Business Leader – Manjit Virdee, Schofield Sweeney
Outstanding Female Business Leader – Emma Digby, Ward Hadaway
Diversity, Inclusion & Equality –Squire Patton Boggs
Team of Excellence – Thomas Coombs
Accountancy Employer of the year – Azets
Emerging Young Female Leader – Milana Yandieva, Interpath
Emerging Young Male Leader – Harry Cierpiol, Ford Campbell Freedman
Special Community Hero Award – Sharon Jandu, OBE
Legal Employer of the year, Schofield Sweeney
Funding Employer of the year, Fresh Thinking Group
Creative Marketing Agency of the year, Youbee Media Agency
Financial Employer of the year, Barclays
Restaurant of the Year – Cut & Craft
Hotel of the Year – Grantley Hall
Creative & Digital Disruptor of the Year – Tomoro Agency
Huge thanks to the event sponsors, Lexus Leeds, First Direct Arena, Grantley Hall, Ward Hadaway, Thomas Coombs, Dakota Hotel Leeds, Royal Armouries, ASG Finance, RSM, The Selected and Lavish.
Credit: rothreadphotography.com
Special thanks to partners Leeds Law Society, ICAEW, JLD, LCASS, P100, LYP, PM Forum, Yorkshire Leadership Group, John Lewis & Partners, Reiss, Mint Velvet, Jigsaw, Hawes & Curtis, Creative Ambition, Yorkshire Businesswoman, J9 Advisory, Aimee Willow Connex and Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung, the new Leeds Lord Mayor. Resource who produced the amazing digital brochure and creatives, Roth Read, photography, Laura Robinson PR, NVRLND for the fabulous glitzy mirror man and stilt ladies, Marketing Adventures for filming and our media partner of several years TheBusinessDesk.com.
Businesses which took part on the catwalk and attended this year included: EY, Barclays, RSM UK, Squire Patton Boggs, Thomas Coombs, LCF Law, Azets, Schofield Sweeney, PwC, Ward Hadaway, Brewin Dolphin, Knights plc, TFG Capital, KPMG, Gunnercooke, ASG Finance, Reward Finance Group, BDO, Katrina Lewis Interiors, BPI, Clarion, Resource, Fresh Thinking Capital, Campbell Fletcher Recruitment, Mir Solicitors, Chadwick Lawrence, Ford Campbell Freedman, Forbes Solicitors, Progress Marketing, Endless, Youbee Media, Eventium, Aimee Willow Connex, Lloyds, Needle Partners, Torch Bearers, Ridley and Hall and NatWest.
https://fbfashionball.show/gallery/
FB Fashion Ball is taking place in other locations this year, Newcastle 24 October, Birmingham 14 November and Manchester 28 November.
FB 2025 get involved as a Model, Sponsor, Partner and Attend. EARLY BIRD TABLE BOOKING 10% DISCOUNT until 30th May 2024.
TO BOOK and for event details contact organiser: Lisa Darwin
Email: Lisa@fbfashionball.show
www.fbfashionball.show @fbfashionball #fbfashionball
