Retail Trust held its 61st London Ball on Wednesday night at the historic Grosvenor House on Park Lane, London. The great and the good of the UK's retail industry gathered for the carnival themed event, raising more than £1.1 million to support the needs of the three million employees in the trade.

Hosted by Strictly Come Dancing's Anton Du Beke, the star-studded event included many familiar faces: rugby legend Phil Vickery; Sir Philip Green; Marc Bolland, CEO of Marks & Spencer; Alistair McGeorge, Chairman of New Look; Terry Duddy, CEO of Home Retail Group; Don McCarthy, Chairman of House of Fraser, and a host of celebrities and companies from across the country.

Marty Plocica, Chair of the Ball Committee, welcomed the 1,000 luminaries of retail before making a presentation to Michael Sharp, CEO of Debenhams, to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the creation of the department store group. Marty said: "It's been a great honor to chair the 61st Retail Trust Ball. I would like to thank those who've made this wonderful evening. Since 1832, Retail Trust has provided support for all involved."

Richard Boland, Chief Executive of Retail Trust, praised the work of retailers across the UK and thanked the attendees for making the event, sponsored by American Express, even more special than last year. "I'd like to extend my warmest thanks to those who made tonight possible and wholeheartedly thank you our sponsors and supporters for your immensely generous donations. 2014 will be an exciting year for us as we are planning the expansion of the reach and relevance of our services, helping more people than ever. This is only possible through your continued support.”

Richard gave special thanks to Julie Blomley and Mark Axon who presented £350,000 to Retail Trust on behalf of the New Look Foundation, and Sir Philip Green who donated £40,000 towards the creation of dementia rooms in Retail Trust's cottage homes. He said: "A special mention goes to the New Look Foundation for their breath-taking donation of £350k – a fantastic sum raised with the help of their staff across the width and breadth of the country. A truly brilliant effort from the grass roots. Our thanks go to each and every one involved.”

As the night came to a climax, it was announced that more than £1.1 million had been received on the night, with donations still being counted.

To find out more about Retail Trust and its work, visit www.retailtrust.org.uk

Posted: 30 January 2014

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