The Corporate Engagement Awards' ongoing recognition of excellence in corporate partnerships and sponsorships ranges from community involvement and CSR initiatives, to arts and culture programmes. Yet in the seven years since the awards͛ inauguration, the parameters for excellence have been redoubled. As this year͛s winners are announced, the calibre of entries has come full circle, offering fresh, thought-provoking and considered work that takes root at the centre of the corporate landscape.

The evening was hosted by journalist and broadcaster, Sophie Raworth, whose career at the BBC is best characterised by her ongoing exposure to the fast-paced nature of both consumer and current affairs. As collaboration and trust define the central theme of the awards, Raworth's exposure to events such as those that took place at Grenfell Tower proved a sobering example of what "coming together truly signifies." A notion that was also honoured by a standing ovation for those present from the London Fire Brigade, whose work with Evelina London Children's Hospital won gold in the 'Best pro bono work for a charitable, social or ethical cause.'

Yet this year͛s winners hail from every corner of the professional realm, with gold trophies awarded to a range of sectors and disciplines. With a comprehensive programme that honours work in over 25 categories, including 'Best CSR programme to raise brand awareness,͛ and 'Best stakeholder communications,' the awards' breakdown takes into consideration type, sponsorship, CSR, communication, and process, ending with the evening's coveted special award, the Grand Prix.

Winning the award that typifies one of the most collaborative endeavours throughout the year, British multinational insurance company, Aviva's work with the British Red Cross sought to propel vulnerability into the public frame. Through its 'Mapathon' construct, volunteering is made easy in hard-to-navigate places, establishing a key footing across 13 markets, transcending five languages and harnessing a lasting global impact that places medical aid and geographical awareness at the heart
of its charitable work within the corporate space.

This year's Grand Prix was awarded to Macmillan Cancer Support and energy provider, npower, for its joint campaign aiming to provide warmth to the lives of cancer patients. The campaign brought together several components of both organisations, including the vulnerability of those recovering from cancer, alongside the more complex challenges that cancer patients face, with as many as 27,000 cancer patients in the UK behind on their energy bills. Aware of this, Macmillan and npower's collaboration has resulted in over £9m of donations, helping 34,000 families affected by cancer in the UK.

Andrew Thomas, publishing editor of Communicate magazine, says, ͞Tonight's Grand Prix winner, the partnership between Macmillan Cancer Support and npower, is a charitable initiative that has seen npower work with Macmillan to provide financial support to those suffering from cancer. It isn't, however, just the doling out of cash to those in need that makes this a worthy winner. It is the innovation, the creativity and the desire to make it work that mean these two organisations walk away with tonight͛s top honour.'

The full list of this year͛s Corporate Engagement Awards 2017 winners is as follows: