Greats 2018 Honorary Achievement winner John Athwal OBE is renowned for his charity work, so it was fitting that to celebrate some his milestone events this year – his 65th birthday, the 30th anniversary of Premier Decorations which was founded by John, an OBE in recognition of his services to business and charity and his success at The Greats – he put others at the heart of his celebrations, raising more than £20,000 for his favourite Fence Club charity to help sick and disadvantaged children.
“2018 has been an amazing year for myself and Premier Decorations which celebrates 30 successful business years, and I extend grateful thanks to all of my industry colleagues and peers, as well as my family and friends, for sharing this special occasion with me,” he stated at a gala event which was recently held recently at London’s Dorchester hotel. “I would especially like to thank everyone for their incredibly generous donations to The Fence Club. £20,000 is a huge amount and we are still receiving cheques and cash in our office as well as online at www.justgiving.com/fenceclub.
Celebrating in style, 100 stage school children opened the ball, followed by a night of dancing to the Jersey Boys. In addition, Bollywood actress and singer Sophie Chaudry was flown in from Bombay to perform for guests.
Top: John Athwal OBE, founder and managing director of Premier Decorations, is shown receiving The Greats 2018 Honorary Achievement award from Henri Davis, (right), the then chairman of The Giftware Association. Also shown is Greats compere Pippa Evans.