Fiona Movley | Lifetime Achievement Award

Last night saw the return of the Harrogate Advertiser Business Excellence Awards held at Pavilions of Harrogate. A host of awards from entrepreneurs to large business, community and hospitality were announced with the Lifetime Achievement award the evening’s finale.

The award recognises the outstanding leadership and contribution of an individual throughout their career and is sponsored by Nicholls Tyreman.

Fiona has worked with some of the town’s standout organisations, from looking after and reigniting the membership at RHS Garden Harlow Carr, to creating the Community Lottery at St Michael’s Hospice and cultivating amazing sponsorships and friendships during her time at the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, she has played a significant role within each of these national organisations.

She has previously served on boards including the Harrogate Theatre and the Yorkshire Young Achievers, with other charity work including fundraising for Marie Curie on her tandem across Yorkshire to climbing the Three Peaks for the Festivals. All alongside her own PR business looking after a host of top clients including Raymond Blanc.

The Award was a complete surprise to Fiona on the evening with Sharon Canavar welcoming her to the stage commenting “I can’t think of no-one more deserving than Fiona. When she supports an organisation it has all of her resources, contacts and her heart. Her tenacity, passion and resilience over her current tenure, leading a high-profile Board and supporting the Executive to launch a £1m fundraising campaign, ensured that the Festivals survived the recent pandemic.”

Matt Reeder, Editor of the Harrogate Advertiser said “We can think of nobody more deserving of this special lifetime achievement award and it was wonderful to see her receive a standing ovation on the night.

‘Fiona has played a crucial role in so many organisations and charities throughout her wonderful career and this is one small way in which we can show our appreciation for all that she has done for Harrogate.

‘Her legacy continues to grow with so many lives made that little bit better by her ongoing work… an impact which is deserving of such a special accolade.

‘Well done Fiona.’