Big names at HSBC, BNP Paribas and more up for gongs at British LGBT Awards

Some of the biggest names in UK business have been nominated for awards at the British LGBT Awards.

The awards take place at The Landmark Hotel in London on 24 April and celebrate names from both the celebrity and corporate world who have championed gay rights across the past 12 months.

Among those nominated for ‘Corporate Straight Ally of the Year’ for 2015 are Curt Hess, CFO of Personal and Corporate Banking for Barclays PLC, Mark Gorry – executive board member at EDF Energy and Benny Higgins, CEO of Tesco Bank.

HSBC UK chief executive Antonio Simoes has also been nominated in the LGBT ‘Diversity Champion’ category – along with Goldman Sachs executive director Deian Rhys.

On the night the big names from the corporate world will rub shoulders with fellow nominees, including diver Tom Daley and singer Sam Smith, at the RBS-sponsored event. RBS head of inclusion Marjorie Strachan said the company is “delighted” to sponsor the awards.

See also: ‘Conservative’ UK market ready to embrace alternative finance

“At RBS we see valuing difference and want to create a bank where everyone brings the best of themselves to work,” she said.

“We know that fostering an environment of inclusion benefits our customers, our employees and the communities we serve. Quite simply, it makes good business. These awards are not just about celebrating the winners; they’re about creating a cultural shift and we want to be part of that.”

Square Peg Media is the “driving force” behind the event. Managing director Sarah Garrett said all the corporate nominees have “used their position to support lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) employees”.

“A diverse workforce makes business sense and it is great to see that so many top employers are now recognising this. The British LGBT Awards highlight the very best in LGBT talent but importantly pay tribute to our all-important straight allies too,” she added. 

Further reading on awards: Last chance to nominate for M&A Awards