Member Article

Leading names in North West finance shortlisted for FD Awards 2017

The top finance directors across the Liverpool City, Cheshire and North Wales regions have been recognised on the shortlist of the annual FD Awards.

The prestigious awards, which are now in their seventh year, are sponsored by leading business adviser Grant Thornton, Accountable Recruitment, Hill Dickinson and HSBC. They shine a light on the best and brightest North West finance has to offer, across both public and private sectors.

The winners will be announced at a glitzy black tie awards ceremony on 2 November, at the Hilton Hotel, Liverpool. The shortlisted categories range from ‘Best Finance Director of the Year 100m+ turnover’ to ‘Best Finance Director under 40 years of age’.

Separate accolades for ‘Finance Director of the Year’ in Liverpool, Warrington, Cheshire and North Wales, as well as an award for ’Overall FD of the Year, will be unveiled on the evening.

Carl Williams, North West managing partner at Grant Thornton, said: “The North West is blessed with an embarrassment of riches when it comes to dynamic, growing SMEs. These businesses are the lifeblood of our economy and the role talented FDs play in driving their success is crucial.

“In previous years, the highest turnover category was £60m +. That this ceiling has increased to include a £100m + category is testament to the strength, range and depth of our region. The 2017 shortlist is as impressive as ever and we’re incredibly proud to support the awards.”

Simon Massey, managing director at Accountable Recruitment, said: “We’re happy to be offering our support once again, as it’s important we continue to recognise all the brilliant work our local FDs do. Personally, I’m looking forward to seeing what happens on the night and where everyone places.”

Tom Carter, Head of Corporate Banking at HSBC, said: “These awards highlight the characteristics a successful finance Director must have: from the ability to provide strategic direction, to displaying discipline and foresight at all times. HSBC works with several of the companies listed so we can confidently say they are all worthy nominees and we wish them the best of luck on the night.”

Mike Jones, partner at Hill Dickinson, said: “During what has proved to be a tumultuous year, this year’s finalists have shown themselves to be focused, robust and decisive. The continued success of their businesses during challenging times is in no small part attributable to their outstanding qualities. It is therefore only fitting that such a talented group are recognised and acknowledged by these awards.”

Please see below for the full list of finalists for the 2017 Finance Director of the Year Awards:

Finance Director of the Year up to 6 million turnover:

David Legg – EMS Group

Stuart Chandler – Sentric Music

John Smith – SIP Building Systems

Finance Director of the Year 6-20 million turnover:

Brian Doyle – Mast Group

Alexander Mansfield – Jackson Lees

Terry Bowman – UK Landscapes

Mark Williams - Moneypenny

Finance Director of the Year 20-50 million turnover:

Simon Burrows – Cruden Holdings

Alex Crow – Mental Healthcare (UK)

Nick Burke – Communications Plus

Andrew Allen – Colloids Limited

Finance Director of the Year 50-100 million turnover:

Jamie Webb – Castlerock Recruitment Group

David Robertson – First Recruitment Group

Rob Laird – Uren Food Group

Finance Director of the Year 100m+ turnover:

Damian McDonald – Meadow Foods

Darren Cooper – Lime Management

David Meir – Eddie Stobart Logistics

Michael Owen – The Delivery Group

Finance Director of a non-profit organisation:

Michael Whitehead – South Liverpool Homes

Neil Smith – Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust

Linda McMullen – Everton in the Community

Commercial Finance Director of the Year:

Philip Didlick – OBG Pharmaceuticals

Andy Blount – Eldapoint

Christine Blackford – Newhall Publishing

Finance Director Under 40 years of age:

James Prince – Rhino Products

Paul Egan – Signature Living

Emma Pickering – ITC Travel Group

Kieron Ellis - LindyBop

The following awards will be announced on the night:

• Finance Director of the Year Liverpool City Region

• Finance Director of the Year Warrington

• Finance Director of the Year North Wales

• Finance Director of the Year Cheshire

• Special Recognition Award

• Overall Finance Director of the year

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ellie Watson .