Friday evening saw the winners of the Finance Awards Wales – hosted by Recruit 121 Finance and FinTech and primary sponsor Grant Thornton – revealed at a glittering ceremony held at Cardiff’s City Hall and hosted by Welsh singer and BBC Radio Wales broadcaster, Wynne Evans.
The Awards were established to recognise and celebrate the achievements of Wales’ expanding Finance sector – the fastest growing in the UK and home to some of the most exciting and innovative players in the industry.
With 350 people joining the celebration, the awards recognised the 2022 finalists and winners alongside some stand out ‘highly commended’ candidates.
Transport for Wales scooped the award for Medium/Large Finance Team of the Year whilst Wyn Innes of Ogi, won Chief Financial Officer/Finance Director of the Year
The evening also included a special announcement from the Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals who awarded membership to their institute to all three shortlisted candidates for Payroller of the Year.
Matthew Hyde, managing director of Finance Awards Wales, said:
“In a changing world, and especially in a dynamic and uncertain business environment, people continue to be the difference. Finance Awards Wales celebrates the talented finance professionals of Wales. We’re proud to recognise the crucial role they play in the Welsh economy and in the organisations they represent and are proud to welcome more talented professionals to the Finance Awards Wales family.
“The standard and number of entries exceeded expectations and those who walked away with their awards are deserved winners.”
Che Hooking, managing director of Hosts, Recruit 121 Group, said:
“We are delighted to have been involved in these awards, and to have the opportunity to play a part in celebrating the very best Finance businesses and individuals in Wales.
“Growth in the sector continues and there is an abundance of talent within the Finance industry. By shining the spotlight on the many achievements within the sector, our hope is that more people will recognise the outstanding contribution of the Finance sector which in turn will spur its continued growth”
The awards recognised those companies and individuals who have enjoyed significant success over the last two years and made a significant contribution both to the Finance sector and to the wider Welsh economy itself.
On the launch of the 2022 Awards, Economy Minister, Vaughan Gething said:
“We have worked hard to create a truly world class financial and professional services environment here in Wales. This has seen us attract internationally-renowned companies, providing high-quality and well-paid job opportunities. This year’s Finance Awards Wales will shine a light on the talented individuals and fantastic companies that have thrived in this hugely important sector against a backdrop of immense economic upheaval and uncertainty.”
The Winners of the Finance Awards Wales 2022 are:
Rising Star of the Year sponsored by Admiral
- Daniel Lewis from ICON
Independent Practice of the Year sponsored by ACCA
- Barford Owen Davies
Accounting Technician of the Year sponsored by AAT
- Poppy Vincent from UNRVLD
Financial Services Finance Team of the Year sponsored by Recruit 121
- DWJ Wealth Managment
Accountant of the Year sponsored by Time Finance
- Rhodri Lewis from Hodge Bank
Payroller of the year sponsored by CIPP
- Emily Smith from Stanford Williams
Small Finance Team of the Year sponsored by Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales
- Markes International Ltd
Financial Controller of the Year sponsored by Bluegg
- Gwennan Oakes from Ogi
Medium/Large Finance Team of the Year sponsored by The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants
- Transport for Wales
Young Finance Director of the Year sponsored by B2B IT Services
- Laura Watkins from ICON
Chief Financial Officer/Finance Director of the Year sponsored by Zeal Tax
- Wyn Innes from Ogi
Highly Commended 2020
Rising Star – Conor Hapgood from Celsa UK
Independanat Practice – Lumin Accountancy
Accountant – Rhian Ford from Ogi
Account Technician – Nick Levi from MII Engineering
Account Technician – Jack Bennett from Pobl Housing Association
Small Finance Team – 2buy2.com Ltd
Small Finance Team – Eddyfi Technologies
Financial Controller – Tony Sleap from Vista Retail Support
CFO – Hannah Williams from Tiny Rebel Ltd
For information about the Finance Awards Wales, please visit https://www.financeawardswales.com/
