A Stoke-on-Trent businessman has been shortlisted for a prestigious British Diversity Award for his work to champion equality and social mobility.
Ian Donaldson, who is the CEO of Ardonagh Retail and a founding partner of Autonet, launched the Football for Change initiative with Premier League footballers Trent Alexander-Arnold and Conor Coady last year, with the aim of helping to change the lives of disadvantaged young people in the North West.
He also leads Ardonagh's LGBT+ network and has been an active supporter of Manchester Pride and British LGBT Awards.
Now Ian has been shortlisted in the Diversity Champion of the Year category at the British Diversity Awards, which recognise individuals with a track record of working to advance equality and opportunity for traditionally marginalised sections of society.
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Ian said: "I'm beyond proud to have been shortlisted for Diversity Champion of the Year in the British Diversity Awards. This is in recognition of our work to promote social mobility through Football For Change, as well as supporting the brilliant work we've done to continue to champion diversity and inclusion across The Ardonagh Group."
Ian joins a host of big-names which have been shortlisted for the awards, including Little Mix star Leigh-Ann Pinnock, Olympic diver Tom Daley and comedian John Bishop.
Manchester United star Marcus Rashford and Strictly Come Dancing Winner Rose-Ayling Ellis are also in the running for awards, while football legend Jamie Carragher is also recognised for his work with Football For Change.
British Diversity Awards founder Linda Riley, said: "We are incredibly excited to be announcing the shortlist of the inaugural Burberry sponsored British Diversity Awards.
"These awards will shine a light on the individuals, organisations, charities and unsung heroes who help to make the world and workplaces a better place for others across all strands of diversity.
"We believe that by continuing to celebrate equality, diversity and inclusion that we can help make the UK a better place to live and work for everyone."
TV presenter June Sarpong will host the 2022 British Diversity Awards at London’s Grand Connaught Rooms on Thursday, March 10.
