News

As plans for FB Fashion Ball at First Direct Arena are gaining momentum we feel so excited by the endless opportunities to create an event like no other in the North!

To celebrate the launch of FB at First Direct Arena we are hosting a glitzy Launch Party, by invitation only!  If you are interested in being on the guest list, get in touch! E:lisa@fbfashionball.show

The interest from not just the Yorkshire business community but other regions is so encouraging we have already seen professionals signing up to model and performance at the Arena.  Businesses are booking their tables and preparing for a spectacular night!

If you want to be part of this spectacular event experience get involved in the following ways:

Yorkshire Business Hero Awards
Model for your chosen charity
Perform (sing/dance) for your chosen charity
Join an FB Team
(Fashion styling, event management, welcome team, charity prize team, awards team, backstage team)

Lisa said “I’m so energised to host the Fashion Ball at the Arena, it’s a dream come true and a testament to everyone who has taken part and supported the event over all these years. I’m thankful to all our event sponsors, partners, models, their firms, and our catwalk partners, what a journey this has been, and the best is yet to come. We are bursting with ideas and raring to go to create a showstopper event like no other in the North!

Darwin continues to celebrate after becoming a National Partner with John Lewis and Partners who will feature in the fashion show across all locations and offer a unique yearlong special discount to all FB connections. Lisa is also delighted to continue her regional partnerships with the Yorkshire Businesswoman magazine, and with professional networks ICAEW, Leeds Law Society, LCASS, MCASS, BCASS, NCASS, LCASA, LYP, MYFN, JLD, P100, Afterwork Club, PM Forum, Yorkshire Leadership Group, Northern Collective and The Selected.

Businesses and professionals from every sector are invited to be involved to raise their profile to a professional audience of over 700 guests. Encourage their people to model and give support to their chosen charity, or to sing and dance their way to the spotlight, this year in Leeds the event supported over 20 charities.

The Yorkshire Business Hero Award nominations are open from 1^st September, with live nominations already open for Newcastle, Birmingham and Manchester, so don’t miss out on nominating your favourite Business Heroes https://fbfashionball.show/awards/

Darwin said: “Moving to First Direct Arena creates unlimited opportunities for our sponsors and partners to showcase their business and to network with hundreds of professionals on a national platform. The Fashion Show will be remarkable with enormous potential for new fashion and beauty brands to be involved. Our new plans will offer a shopping festival and luxury pamper stations for guests to enjoy with exhibitors for business, fashion, beauty, and lifestyle.

In partnership with First Direct Arena, we are hoisting a glitzy launch party on Wednesday 11^th September 6-9pm, in the Black & White Lounge, if you would like to be on the exclusive guest list signup via the website. https://fbfashionball.show/#events

If you would like to take advantage of the many benefits of FB Fashion Ball and be involved as a Sponsor, Partner, Exhibitor, Model, Performer, please get in touch
E: lisa@fbfashionball.show www.fbfashionball.show

FB Fashion Ball is taking place in the following cities, TO BOOK https://fbfashionball.show/#events

Newcastle 24 October, Hilton Hotel
Birmingham 14 November, Burlington Hotel
Manchester 28 November, Lowry Hotel
Liverpool 27 February 2025, Hilton Hotel
Leeds 24 April 2025, First Direct Arena

FB Highlights 2024 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M2WPpUfP1Zk

For event details and bookings contact organiser: Lisa Darwin
Email: Lisa@fbfashionball.show  @fbfashionball #fbfashionball

Encapsulating on the amazing success of this year’s event in Yorkshire, FB FASHION BALL is moving to First Direct Arena; to host the Arena’s first ever Fashion Show on 24^th April 2025.  The glitzy black-tie Gala Awards Dinner will feature a bigger fashion show and live entertainment to support multiple charities.

This exciting decision will enable founder and organiser Lisa Darwin to further grow the event and take it to a higher level. Investing in innovative ideas, creative partnerships and inviting a wider audience to be involved and attend the event from the business, fashion, beauty, and lifestyle sectors.

This renowned and much-loved event, established for 27 years in Yorkshire and now hosted in several cities in the UK, Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle, Birmingham, and Liverpool, will continue to feature the prestigious National Business Hero Awards and celebrate the best of the best in each region.

Lisa said “I’m so energised to host the Fashion Ball at the Arena, it’s a dream come true and a testament to everyone who has taken part and supported the event over all these years. I’m thankful to all our event sponsors, partners, models, their firms, and our catwalk partners, what a journey this has been, and the best is yet to come. We are bursting with ideas and raring to go to create a showstopper event like no other in the North!

Darwin continues to celebrate after becoming a National Partner with John Lewis and Partners who will feature in the fashion show across all locations and offer a unique yearlong special discount to all FB connections. Lisa is also delighted to continue her regional partnerships with the Yorkshire Businesswoman magazine, and with professional networks ICAEW, Leeds Law Society, LCASS, MCASS, BCASS, NCASS, LCASA, LYP, MYFN, JLD, P100, Afterwork Club, PM Forum, Yorkshire Leadership Group, Northern Collective and The Selected.

Businesses and professionals from every sector are invited to be involved to raise their profile to a professional audience of over 700 guests. Encourage their people to model and give support to their chosen charity, or to sing and dance their way to the spotlight, this year in Leeds the event supported over 20 charities.

The Yorkshire Business Hero Award nominations are open from 1^st September, with live nominations already open for Newcastle, Birmingham and Manchester, so don’t miss out on nominating your favourite Business Heroes https://fbfashionball.show/awards/

Darwin said: “Moving to First Direct Arena creates unlimited opportunities for our sponsors and partners to showcase their business and to network with hundreds of professionals on a national platform. The Fashion Show will be remarkable with enormous potential for new fashion and beauty brands to be involved. Our new plans will offer a shopping festival and luxury pamper stations for guests to enjoy with exhibitors for business, fashion, beauty, and lifestyle.

In partnership with First Direct Arena, we are hoisting a glitzy launch party on Wednesday 11^th September 6-9pm, in the Black & White Lounge, if you would like to be on the exclusive guest list signup via the website. https://fbfashionball.show/#events

If you would like to take advantage of the many benefits of FB Fashion Ball and be involved as a Sponsor, Partner, Exhibitor, Model, Performer, please get in touch
E: lisa@fbfashionball.show www.fbfashionball.show

FB Fashion Ball is taking place in the following cities, TO BOOK https://fbfashionball.show/#events

Newcastle 24 October, Hilton Hotel
Birmingham 14 November, Burlington Hotel
Manchester 28 November, Lowry Hotel
Liverpool 27 February 2025, Hilton Hotel
Leeds 24 April 2025, First Direct Arena

FB Highlights 2024 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M2WPpUfP1Zk

For event details and bookings contact organiser: Lisa Darwin
Email: Lisa@fbfashionball.show  @fbfashionball #fbfashionball

The Yorkshire Business Hero Awards took pride of place, honouring the region’s exceptional businesses and individuals. The calibre of nominations this year was impressive, we congratulate all the finalists, and are delighted to applaud our 2024 winners”:

Outstanding Male Business Leader – Manjit Virdee, Schofield Sweeney
Outstanding Female Business Leader – Emma Digby, Ward Hadaway
Diversity, Inclusion & Equality –Squire Patton Boggs
Team of Excellence – Thomas Coombs
Accountancy Employer of the year – Azets
Emerging Young Female Leader – Milana Yandieva, Interpath
Emerging Young Male Leader – Harry Cierpiol, Ford Campbell Freedman
Special Community Hero Award – Sharon Jandu, OBE
Legal Employer of the year, Schofield Sweeney
Funding Employer of the year, Fresh Thinking Group
Creative Marketing Agency of the year, Youbee Media Agency
Financial Employer of the year, Barclays
Restaurant of the Year – Cut & Craft
Hotel of the Year – Grantley Hall
Creative & Digital Disruptor of the Year – Tomoro Agency

Huge thanks to the event sponsors, Lexus Leeds, first direct arena, Grantley Hall, Ward Hadaway, Thomas Coombs, Dakota Hotel Leeds, Royal Armouries, ASG Finance, RSM, The Selected and Lavish.

Lisa Darwin
Email: Lisa@fbfashionball.show

www.fbfashionball.show @fbfashionball #fbfashionball

Yorkshire business leaders and professionals from across Yorkshire celebrated at the 2024 FB Fashion Ball and raised £42,580 to support numerous local charities across our region by modelling on the catwalk.

The total raised included £8,500 for J9 advisory £100k Charity Challenge and over £4,000 for Life Reach in Bradford from the charity prize draw.

Over 72 well known individuals from some of the region’s top businesses took to the catwalk to model the latest fashion trends at the FB Fashion Ball, held last Thursday at New Dock Hall in Leeds.

The annual event now in its 27th year showcased SS24 collections from John Lewis & Partners, Reiss, Mint Velvet, Jigsaw, Hawes & Curtis, Rebecca Rhoades, whilst collaborating with Leeds Smart Works, Nancee and Roc Ethical to create a sustainable fashion scene. The models looked catwalk ready thanks to hair and make-up stylists Creative Ambition and the show was styled and managed by Lisa Darwin, with support from Nasheen Wuisman, ICAEW and Chris Hartley, John Lewis & Partners.

New for this year, the dynamic and talented 32 members of the RSM Choir in Leeds delivered a unique and spectacular performance of the Greatest Showman, raising the roof off New Dock at the beginning of the evening and entertaining an audience more than 550-strong.  The evening came to an impressive finish with a glitzy and explosive finale, led by Chris Etherington, Matthew Hoyle, Stephen Green and the RSM Choir performing Never Forget by Take That, created by the Workplace Choir.

Darwin said: “What a night to shout about and so many people to thank. FB Fashion Ball is always a highlight in the Yorkshire business community’s calendar and this year proved no different. Seeing a sell-out room of over 550 people attending and with over 150 people involved backstage was just fantastic. Everyone had so much fun and the feedback from the evening is amazing. I’m so proud of everyone who took part, we had a night of glamourous networking and high celebrations, and we can’t wait for next year.

“The models did a superb job of overcoming their nerves it was great to have familiar faces back and so many new people modelling, many only meeting each other on the day to learn their routines. They showcased some fabulous fashion with style and charisma. I’m so happy for the models and what they’ve achieved as a team, friendships and business connections were made for sure.

“Along with the Yorkshire Business Hero Awards, the evening was a true celebration of what’s great about Yorkshire and the mingling and fun was off the charts. The room looked fabulous and thanks to Lexus Leeds for displaying their new LBX cars, the atmosphere all night was electric.

“The number of local charities we have been able to support this year through the models, singers and prize donations is fantastic and confirms the generosity of the Yorkshire business community.

“We’re grateful to our Fashion Partners John Lewis & Partners and Mint Velvet for offering discounts to all FB guests.” See the brochure for details https://fbfashionball.show/brochure/”

“As well as the catwalk show, we had professionals singing for their chosen charity, Hannah Chappell, NatWest with Robbie Williams Angels and Maddie Nicholson, PwC with her performance of When We Were Young by Adele, both girls were outstanding and are so talented.

“The Yorkshire Business Hero Awards took pride of place, honouring the region’s exceptional businesses and individuals. The calibre of nominations this year was impressive, we congratulate all the finalists, and are delighted to applaud our 2024 winners”:

Outstanding Male Business Leader – Manjit Virdee, Schofield Sweeney
Outstanding Female Business Leader – Emma Digby, Ward Hadaway
Diversity, Inclusion & Equality –Squire Patton Boggs
Team of Excellence – Thomas Coombs
Accountancy Employer of the year – Azets
Emerging Young Female Leader – Milana Yandieva, Interpath
Emerging Young Male Leader – Harry Cierpiol, Ford Campbell Freedman
Special Community Hero Award – Sharon Jandu, OBE
Legal Employer of the year, Schofield Sweeney
Funding Employer of the year, Fresh Thinking Group
Creative Marketing Agency of the year, Youbee Media Agency
Financial Employer of the year, Barclays
Restaurant of the Year – Cut & Craft
Hotel of the Year – Grantley Hall
Creative & Digital Disruptor of the Year – Tomoro Agency

Huge thanks to the event sponsors, Lexus Leeds, first direct arena, Grantley Hall, Ward Hadaway, Thomas Coombs, Dakota Hotel Leeds, Royal Armouries, ASG Finance, RSM, The Selected and Lavish.

Special thanks to partners Leeds Law Society, ICAEW, JLD, LCASS, P100, LYP, PM Forum, Yorkshire Leadership Group, John Lewis & Partners, Reiss, Mint Velvet, Jigsaw, Hawes & Curtis, Creative Ambition, Yorkshire Businesswoman, J9 Advisory, Aimee Willow Connex and Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung, the new Leeds Lord Mayor. Resource who produced the amazing digital brochure and creatives, Roth Read, photography, Laura Robinson PR, NVRLND for the fabulous glitzy mirror man and stilt ladies, Marketing Adventures for filming and our media partner of several years TheBusinessDesk.com.

Businesses which took part on the catwalk and attended this year included: EY, Barclays, RSM UK, Squire Patton Boggs, Thomas Coombs, LCF Law, Azets, Schofield Sweeney, PwC, Ward Hadaway,  Brewin Dolphin, Knights plc, TFG Capital, KPMG,  Gunnercooke, ASG Finance, Reward Finance Group, BDO, Katrina Lewis Interiors, BPI, Clarion, Resource, Fresh Thinking Capital, Campbell Fletcher Recruitment, Mir Solicitors, Chadwick Lawrence, Ford Campbell Freedman, Forbes Solicitors, Progress Marketing, Endless, Youbee Media, Eventium, Aimee Willow Connex, Lloyds, Needle Partners, Torch Bearers, Ridley and Hall and NatWest.

https://fbfashionball.show/gallery/

FB Fashion Ball is taking place in other locations this year, Newcastle 24 October, Birmingham 14 November and Manchester 28 November. 

FB 2025 get involved as a Model, Sponsor, Partner and Attend.  EARLY BIRD TABLE BOOKING 10% DISCOUNT until 30th May 2024.

TO BOOK and for event details contact organiser: Lisa Darwin
Email: Lisa@fbfashionball.show

www.fbfashionball.show @fbfashionball #fbfashionball

Popular business fundraising event FB Fashion Ball is launching in four new cities.

Flush from the success of its latest Leeds event in April, it will be running in Newcastle, Birmingham, Manchester and Liverpool this autumn and winter.

FB Fashion Ball invites business leaders and professionals to model on the catwalk to raise awareness for their chosen charity, wearing clothes from John Lewis & Partners, Reiss, Mint Velvet, Jigsaw, Glamour Rocks and other brands.

The event has been a highlight of Yorkshire’s business calendar for the past 27 years. FB Fashion Ball itself will continue to collaborate with women’s charity Smart Works and partner with local independent designers and brands, to feature a sustainable fashion scene displaying innovative fashion and restyled second-hand clothing as part of the show.

The programme also features professionals singing for their chosen charity – in Leeds this year the RSM Choir took to the stage for the first time.

FB Fashion Ball will take place at:

• Newcastle’s Hilton Hotel on 24 October
• Birmingham’s Burlington Hotel on 14 November
• Manchester’s Lowry Hotel on 28 November
• Liverpool’s Hilton City Hotel on 27 February 2025

The team has now launched the National Business Hero Awards, with nominations now open for Newcastle and other cities to follow.

FB Fashion Ball founder and organiser Lisa Darwin said, “I’m so thankful to every individual and business that has supported and continues to be excited by attending and getting involved in FB Fashion Ball over the past 27 years.

“The longstanding connections made and the enthusiasm for the event is a testament to everyone. I’m grateful to see so many businesses championing their people on the catwalk and nominating them for an award.”

The awards take pride of place during the gala dinner where the Award winners are crowned during a gala dinner at the fashion ball.

Nominate your business heroes in up to 15 categories here, and volunteer to model here.  You can also find out how to sponsor or partner with the event.

Lisa said “The opportunity to support hundreds of charities and raise the profile of hundreds of businesses and professionals through FB Fashion Ball is amazing, I encourage people to get behind the event and take advantage of the many benefits from being involved.”

She thanked TheBusinessDesk.com for being regional media partner, and FB Fashion Ball’s long-time partners, some of whom have supported it for more than 20 years: ICAEW, Leeds Law Society, LCASS, MCASS, BCASS, NCASS, LYP, PM Forum, P100, JLD, Dakota Hotel, RSM, Ward Hadaway, ASG Finance, John Lewis & Partners, Reiss, YBW, Marketing Adventures, The Selected and Lavish.

Organisers of FB Fashion Ball, the most popular event established in the Yorkshire business calendar for 27 years, are excited as hundreds of Yorkshire businesses and professionals are driving votes forward for the Yorkshire’s Business Hero Awards, taking pride of place at FB Fashion Ball in Leeds on 25^th April at New Dock, where the winners will be crowned during the glamourous celebrations.

WATCH FB HIGHLIGHTS FB Fashion Ball Leeds 2022 Highlights – YouTube

BOOK YOUR SEAT NOW https://fbfashionball.show/#events

The National Hero Awards take place in Leeds, Manchester, Liverpool, Newcastle, and Birmingham and recognise and celebrate the most inspirational and dynamic business leaders and professionals who are growing and influencing the many successful businesses in each region. We are excited to publicly honour and applaud entrepreneurial leaders and outstanding employees who have made remarkable contributions to the local business economy and continue to achieve and deliver beyond expectation, with special awards for community engagement and diversity, inclusion, and equality initiatives.

The calibre of the professionals and businesses featured in the Business Hero Awards shortlist demonstrates the abundance of talent and expertise we have here in Yorkshire.

VOTE NOW FOR YOUR YORKSHIRE BUSINESS HERO https://fbfashionball.show/vote/

FB Fashion Ball is recognised for celebrating Yorkshire businesses and their people, not only gathering the business community to celebrate the award winners but FB has gained its renowned reputation for its live Fashion Show. Inviting business leaders and professionals to model for their chosen local charity to raise awareness and funds. The models are styled wearing the latest trends from John Lewis & Partners, Reiss, Ted Baker, Mint Velvet, Jigsaw, Hawes & Curtis, Rebecca Rhoades ROC, Nancee and Glamour Rocks to name a few. 2024 see’s the growth of its dedicated sustainable fashion scene promoting the important message of sustainable fashion and showcasing various independent local brands, whilst collaborating with women’s charity Leeds Smart Works.

New for this year and thanks to our sponsor RSM, we will introduce a spectacular feature as part of FB celebrations, seeing professionals performing, representing their business and supporting their chosen charity.  You will see Yorkshire professionals not only modelling but singing this year, from RSM, NatWest and PwC, the evening’s entertainment is provided by people who work for local businesses, how amazing is this!

Alongside the Hero Awards, anticipation is soaring high as we eagerly await to see which high profile business leaders and professionals from across Yorkshire will step out in style on the catwalk! Models already signed up and raring to go from Squire Patton Boggs, RSM, LCF Law, EY, Addleshaw Goddard, PwC, Schofield Sweeney, Gateley Legal, Knights, Clarion, Thomas Coombs, TFG Capital, Walker Morris, Azets, Ridley & Hall, Gunnercooke, KPMG, Chadwick Lawrence, Ford Campbell Freedman and Ward Hadaway to name a few.

Lisa Darwin, Founder of FB Fashion Ball, said “I’m so thankful to every individual and business that continues to attend and is excited to be part of FB Fashion Ball over the past 27 years. The longstanding connections made and the enthusiasm for the event it is a testament to everyone! “I’m grateful to see so many businesses championing their people on the catwalk and nominating them for an award, It’s amazing to have such tremendous support for so many Yorkshire charities and hundreds of professionals booking their table, we are ready for the biggest night of fun networking and celebration, don’t miss out join us!

Lisa thanks FB’s time-honoured sponsors and partners some spanning 20 years; ICAEW, Leeds Law Society, TheBusinessdesk.com, Lexus Leeds, Grantley Hall, Ward Hadaway, Thomas Coombs. First Direct Arena, RSM, Dakota Hotel, Resource, LCASS, LYP, PM Forum, P100, JLD, Yorkshire Leadership Group, Afterwork Club, J9 Advisory, Aimee Willow Connex, YBW, YP Reiss, John Lewis & Partners, Jigsaw, Ted Baker, Mint Velvet, Hawes & Curtis, Creative Ambitions and Lavish.

If you’d like to MODEL, SPONSOR or PARTNER click the links below to sign up or contact Lisa Darwin E:lisa@fbfashionball.show 

MODEL https://fbfashionball.show/model-registration/

SPONSOR https://fbfashionball.show/sponsorship/

PARTNER https://fbfashionball.show/partner/

 www.fbfashionball.show @fbfashionball #fbfashionball

Exciting News!  FB FASHION BALL has now launched in 5 major UK cities.  BOOK YOUR PLACE TODAY! https://fbfashionball.show/#events

LEEDS
25 April – New Dock

NEWCASTLE
24 October – Hilton Hotel

BIRMINGHAM
14 November – The Burlington Hotel

MANCHESTER
28 November – The Lowry Hotel

LIVERPOOL
27 February 2025 – Hilton Liverpool City Hotel

The event is a firm favourite within the local Business Community so ensure you don’t miss out get involved and BOOK TODAY!

If your interested in MODELLING, SPONSORING, PARTNERING or ATTENDING.  Contact Lisa Darwin Email:lisa@fbfashionball.show

www.fbfashionball @fbfashionball