At a sparkling event held in London on 2 December, the publication Insurance Day announced the winners of its London Markets Awards for 2010. UK Club managers Thomas Miller were on hand to accept the Corporate Social Responsibility Award, which was presented to Hugo Wynn-Williams, chairman of Thomas Miller, by Richard Banks, the editor of Insurance Day.

Thomas Miller won the award for its highly original decision to celebrate its 125th anniversary by becoming the lead sponsor of the Chauncy Maples Malawi Trust, a UK charity which is renovating the 19th century ship Chauncy Maples as a clinic to provide essential medical services to the lakeside people of Malawi. Thomas Miller has already succeeded in raising more than half of the £2 million sum it set as its target just six months ago.

More information on Chauncy Maples can be found on the Thomas Miller website (click the award image to the right to visit the site) and Mr Wynn-Williams stresses that it is still not too late to contribute to this worthy cause.

Speaking to guests at the awards evening, Mark Holford of Thomas Miller explained how the funds raised thus far were already being put to good use:

"In the past two weeks, work has commenced in Malawi in stripping out the ship in preparation for major hull work in a dry dock in October. Our next step is to persuade the world's maritime manufacturers to donate the £800,000 worth of parts necessary for the renovation work.

"Eighty-five per cent of the £1 million raised so far has come from Thomas Miller, which donated £250,000, and its business community. Sixteen donors have given at least £25,000 each to become Founders of the project, including five of Thomas Miller's transport clubs: UK P&I Club, UK Defence Club, TT Club, Hellenic War Risks and ITIC."

Mr Holford continued: "Three UK law firms have also become Founders: Ince, Holman Fenwick Willan and Reed Smith, which considers Thomas Miller to be its oldest client. American law firms have also been significant donors, led by New York law firm Blank Rome."

Thomas Miller executives were also delighted to see another Founder, Miller Insurance Services, pick up two awards at the Insurance Day evening, This leading broker is taking a 'charity' slip around Lloyd's and other London underwriters and this has produced £65,000 so far.