Victor Dahdaleh receives the Canada-UK Chamber’s first Recognition Award at Inaugural Gala Ball at London’s Guildhall

Victor Dahdaleh was honoured to receive the first Canada-UK Chamber Recognition Award, with members recognising his significant impact on the Chamber over more than 20 years.

Introducing the commendation for Victor’s Award, Chamber Chief Executive Nigel Bacon said:

‘Having met Victor over 20 years ago when I joined the Chamber, Victor promised we would rebuild the Chamber with high profile events the initial hook and boy did he deliver. In 2005 we hosted the former 42^nd US president Bill Clinton, former Canadian Prime Minister Kim Campbell and then Canadian Finance Minister Jim Flaherty.

‘During his Presidency we went from 80 paid corporate members to 250 very quickly in 4.5 years. From 12 events per year in 2005 to 35 by the end of 2009.

‘And since then, he has stayed on the Board, Chair’s our Governance Committee, and introduced a whole host of now Charter members to the Chamber and a superb collection of business leaders, senior political figures and academics to address us at high profile events.

‘Without Victor’s encouragement and support, I would never have stayed so long at the Chamber, and I am delighted to hand out this inaugural Recognition Award to him tonight for his significant impact on our Chamber over more than 20 years.’

In response, Victor commented:

‘It is a real honour to receive this award from the Chamber. Much has changed since I first became involved with the Chamber in 2004.

‘While I am very grateful for this award and delighted to have made my contribution to the Chamber’s success over many years, it has always been a team effort! Nothing could be achieved without the right people, so enormous thanks to Nigel and his team, our current President Wayne Lee and all our Past Presidents who have contributed so much, to the many Directors, Members and Partners, to the Canadian High Commissioner and the High Commission staff and all our UK government counterparts.

‘It is a real privilege to be part of this wonderful organisation. It is full of great people. I wish it every success as it heads through its second 100 years and I will continue to do all I can to help.’

The Canada-UK Chamber of Commerce inaugural Gala Ball & Recognition Award Ceremony was held at the historic Guildhall in London. The black-tie event brought together over 300 influential leaders from the Canadian and UK business communities for an evening of glamour, networking, and celebration.

“This event is a milestone for the Chamber and a testament to the enduring strength of Canada-UK business ties,” said Wayne Lee, Chamber President. “As we look ahead to the next century, we remain committed to creating opportunities for collaboration and growth.”

For more information, visit www.canada-uk.org.