• Home
  • 2026 Annual General Meeting Awards

Now accepting nominations!

Downtown London is excited to announce the call for nominations for the prestigious Business Excellence Award and the Gerald Gallacher Heart of Downtown Award. These awards, named in memory of Gerald Gallacher, recognize his unwavering dedication and commitment to Downtown London BIA, its members, and the downtown community. Gerald served as LDBA’s chair from 2015 to 2019, and his legacy continues to inspire us.

We invite you to nominate deserving businesses, organizations, or individuals who embody Gerald's spirit of positivity, innovation, and community pride. Award recipients will demonstrate a strong desire to improve our downtown as a place to do business, live, learn, and play.

 

➜ Submit nominations for the Business Excellence Award here

➜ Submit nominations for the Gerald Gallacher Heart of Downtown Award here

 

Downtown London will be accepting nominations until 12 PM (noon) September 17, 2026

Submission Criteria

What is Downtown London looking to see in a nomination?
  • Business Excellence Award

     
    ELIGIBILITY

    • Available to storefront businesses, office businesses, and property owners
    • Eligible businesses include (but not limited to) independent businesses, franchise businesses, corporate; self nomination or nominate others
    • Minimum of 2 years of operation in the downtown
    • Current LDBA or MSL board members and staff are not eligible to be nominated

     

    SUBMISSION CATEGORIES (750 WORD MAXIMUM) - give 1 or 2 examples for each category

    • Customer Service Excellence - How does this business exemplify service excellence?
    • Company Culture - How does this business create a positive culture for employees and customers?
    • Community & Downtown Engagement - How does this business show leadership and partners with others on downtown events, activations and cross-promotions?
    • Investment & Resilience - What investments have they made to make the business more resilient?
    • Use of Downtown Programs - How do they participate in Downtown London programs and promotions, and share that information with the community?

     

  • Heart of Downtown Award, in memory of Gerald Gallacher

     
    AWARD BACKGROUND

    Gerald Gallacher

    The Heart of Downtown award is named in memory of Gerald Gallacher, in recognition of his dedication and commitment to the Downtown London BIA, its members and to the downtown as a whole. Gerald was LDBA’s chair from 2015 to 2019. He was a devoted Downtown London volunteer and a fierce advocate for positive change for the downtown. Like Gerald, recipients of either award will be organizations or individuals who have demonstrated a strong desire to improve our downtown community as a place to do business, live, learn and play.

    Award recipients will also share Gerald’s ability to recognize and act upon their own strengths and capabilities to creatively improve London’s downtown and work collaboratively to make things better. They also share a commitment to promote downtown positivity, confidence, vitality, love and pride, just as Gerald did.
     

    ELIGIBILITY

    • Available to individuals with a storefront, office, or property located in the Downtown London BIA; as well as an event organizer and/or downtown promoter
    • Minimum of 2 years engaging within the downtown
    • Current LDBA or MSL board members and staff are not eligible to be nominated

     

    SUBMISSION CATEGORIES (750 WORD MAXIMUM) - give 1 or 2 examples for each category

    • Downtown Ambassador & Advocate - How does the nominee champion downtown London’s value and potential, through their business, their voice, and their support for others? (e.g. social media, mentoring, promoting the appeal of living, working and playing downtown)
    • Community Builder & Volunteer - How does this individual demonstrate a strong commitment to community building and collaborations in Downtown London?
    • Creative Contributor & Placemaking Champion - What projects or activities has the nominee been involved in that helped improve the look, feel, or experience of Downtown London, such as murals, storefront enhancements, or public space activations?
    • Positive Spirit & Downtown Pride - How does the nominee demonstrate optimism and inspire others to share a sense of downtown pride and resilience that reflects vibrancy downtown?

     

Congratulations to our 2025 Award Recipients

 

 

Business Excellence Award

 

Stefanie Stolzel and Michael Schmidt – Tea Haus

 

For 25 years, The Tea Haus has been a cornerstone of the Covent Garden Market and a shining example of excellence, collaboration, and community spirit. Their dedication to quality, from their premium teas to their exceptional customer service, has earned them a loyal following and an outstanding reputation within the community. Beyond their own success, they continually invest in the downtown, partnering with local businesses, enhancing their space, and contributing to initiatives that make downtown London an engaging and welcoming destination. Their commitment to excellence and community truly embodies the spirit of this award.

 
 
 
 
 

 

Gerald Gallacher Heart of Downtown Award

 

Mike Manuel

 

For more than two decades, Mike has demonstrated exceptional leadership, vision, and commitment to the downtown core through his continued investment in the London Music Hall and surrounding properties. His dedication has transformed this area into a premier entertainment destination, providing vital performance space for both emerging and established artists, and advancing London’s identity as a UNESCO City of Music.
From major renovations and the creation of new venues like Comedy & Co. and Encore, to the strategic move of the London Music Hall’s entrance onto Dundas Place, Mike’s efforts have enhanced accessibility, and placemaking downtown. Respected by his peers and deeply engaged in the community, Mike’s hands-on leadership and enduring passion have not only strengthened the cultural fabric of downtown but have also positioned London as a hub for world-class entertainment.

Awards FAQ

  • Can I self nominate?

    Yes! People can self nominate or nominate others.

  • Who judges the submissions?

    All submissions will be reviewed and evaluated by the Downtown London board committee. This committee consists of 2 Downtown London staff and 3-4 board members.