Britain’s leading retirement builder, McCarthy & Stone sponsored the Silver Surfer of the Year Awards in 2008.

It was a natural fit for them as they’ve been promoting the internet to their residents for a long time.

Sponsorship of the Awards was an excellent opportunity to do this more publically.

The Awards were hosted by Stephen Timms MP, at the Houses of Parliament and attracted over 100 people from private, public and government organisations.

McCarthy & Stone Chief Exec, Howard Phillips made a very moving and personal speech about older users (and his mum) on the internet.

The Awards generated lots of energy and excitement on ezines, newsletters and blogs (we blogged it ourselves – live!).  We were also featured on national television (a five minute piece on BBC2 Working Lunch) and covered by numerous local newspapers and radio stations.

Marketing Director Dave Vallis said: “We are delighted to be this year’s main sponsor of the British Silver Surfer Awards to raise awareness among older people – especially those living alone – of the enormous benefits to be gained from joining the online community.”