The Rewards celebrates industry's finest

Sponsored by PwC, the annual ceremony returned to celebrate the sector’s most innovative and impactful organisations and individuals. 

Attendees were kept entertained by comedian host and The Chase star, Paul Sinha, throughout a sparkling black-tie gala dinner, before the anticipated 18 winners were revealed.

Among those who took home awards, Best Employer Winner, BetFred, impressed the judges with a real desire to improve wellbeing for staff. Emerging victorious in the Best Response to Cost-of-living Crisis category, Housing 21’s winning approach saw impressive initiatives including a fair wage policy, while Global Payroll Award winner iiPay demonstrated high employee satisfaction with superb knowledge of compliance with local legislation.

In the solo recognitions, Marianna Hadjiandoniou was honoured with the coveted Woman of the Year Award for her remarkable achievements in fostering inclusive, dynamic, and high-performing corporate cultures. Judges described her application as "mid-blowing and humbling," calling her "an inspiration to women and an example to many." Outstanding Leader in Payroll winner Gary Brewer was also praised as an individual who has a strategic vision to influence and drive tangible and significant change

Other notable winners included Benefex for the Employee Benefits Provider Award, Work from Anywhere for the Technology Award, and Southwestern Railway Payroll & Pensions Team for the In-house Team Award.

The full list of winners can be viewed here 

In addition to the accolades, guests came together to raise over £1,700 for Reward Strategy’s chosen charity, Shooting Stars Children’s Hospices.

The night was a huge success, celebrating the best of the best in the payroll, HR, reward and people sector. Congratulations to all the winners and highly commended recipients.