ShelterBox Founder and CEO, Tom Henderson OBE, has won 'Business Leader of the Year’ at the 2011 Cornwall Business Awards.
To add to celebrations Tom also received the title, 'Winner of Winners' – the award given to the overall winner on the night - making it a double win for ShelterBox.
Tom is currently in New Orleans for the 2011 Rotary International Convention and was unable to accept the award in person.
However, speaking from New Orleans, he said: 'It’s an honour to yet again be on the receiving end of such high recognition from the Cornish business community. ShelterBox has grown to be a world leader in delivering emergency disaster relief because its foundations are firmly rooted in Cornwall.
‘The Cornish spirit now runs through the whole organisation and without the support, enthusiasm and passion shown for us by Cornwall’s people we wouldn’t be in a position to make a lifesaving difference to families around the world.
‘This award goes to all the ShelterBox staff, supporters, fundraisers, Rotarians and volunteers who work so hard to ensure that when the next big disaster hits ShelterBox will be there giving shelter, warmth and dignity to those who need it most.'
The announcement was made at a packed ceremony at St Mellion International Resort on Thursday, May 19. Tom beat stiff competition from Eric Nicholls of Spiral Construction and Paul Wickes of Cornwall Marine Network to take the award. Music mogul, Pete Waterman was the keynote speaker of the night.
ShelterBox Head of Operations was on hand to accept the award on Tom’s behalf.
‘It’s great that Tom’s hard work and drive has been recognised by Cornwall’s business community. He leads by example and is the driving force behind the growth of ShelterBox.’
ShelterBox’s success at this year’s awards follows on from last year when the charity was named ‘Best Social Enterprise in Cornwall.’
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