Friday evening saw the winners of the 2nd annual Finance Awards Wales – sponsored by Recruit 121 Finance and Accounting – revealed at a glittering ceremony held at Cardiff’s City Hall and hosted by Timothy Rhys-Evans MBE founder and musical director of the choir Only Men Aloud! , Only Boys Aloud and children’s choir Only Kids Aloud.
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 400 people in attendance on the night, 13 awards were handed out with Principality Building Society winning the Financial Services Team of the Year award.
Leekes Retail and Leisure Group scooped the award for Medium/Large Finance Team of the Year, while Marc Davies of Flexicare, winning Chief Financial Officer/Finance Director of the Year of a company over £25 million. The outstanding contribution to Finance in Wales this year went to Frank Holmes Founding Partner Gambit Corporate Finance LLP.
Matthew Hyde, managing director of Finance Awards Wales, said:
“In a changing world, and especially in times of uncertainty, one thing is sure. That people are the difference. Finance Awards Wales celebrates the talented finance professionals of Wales and recognise the crucial role they play in the Welsh economy and in the organisations they represent.
“The standard and number of entries exceeded expectations and those who walked away with their awards are deserved winners.”
Che Hooking, managing director of headline sponsors, Recruit 121 Finance and Accounting, 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.
“By shining the spotlight on the many achievements within the sector over the last 12 months, our hope is that more and more people will recognise the outstanding contribution of the Finance sector which in turn will spur its continued growth over the next 12 months and beyond.”
The awards recognised those companies and individuals who have enjoyed significant success over the last 12 months and made a significant contribution both to the Finance sector and to the wider Welsh economy itself.
On the launch of the 2019 Awards, Ken Skates, Wales’ Economy & Infrastructure Cabinet Secretary, said:
“I welcome this second year of the Finance Awards Wales and applaud the organisers’ ongoing work to showcase the talented professionals who make up our flourishing Finance sector..”
The Winners of the Finance Awards Wales 2019 are:
Rising Star of the Year sponsored by Blake Morgan
- Kerry Burger from Burns Pet Nutrition
Independent Practice of the Year sponsored by Grant Stephens Family Law
- Allchurch and Co
Accounts Assistant of the Year sponsored by Bluegg
- Craig Radford from NewLaw Solicitors
Financial Services Finance Team of the Year sponsored by Hodge Bank
- Principality Building Society
Accountant of the Year sponsored by Bibby Financial Services
- Angela England from LexisNexis Risk Solutions
Corporate Finance Team of the Year sponsored by Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales
Small Finance Team of the Year sponsored by Towergate insurance Brokers
- Zip World
Finance Controller of the Year sponsored by Robert Ingram Wealth Management
- Nick Bellew from Arcadis UK
Medium/Large Finance Team of the Year sponsored by The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants
- Leekes Retail and Leisure Group
Chief Financial Officer/Finance Director of the Year of a company up-to £25 million Sponsored by Grant Thornton
- Ali Saigar from Kagool
Young Finance Director of the Year sponsored by Assurance Accountancy
- Joseph Towler from Zenith Print Group
Chief Financial Officer/Finance Director of the Year of a company over £25 million Sponsored by Grant Thornton
- Marc Davies from Flexicare Medical
Highly Commended
- Maria Goddard from Awen Cultural Trust
- IG Lintels
- Robert Price from JoJo Maman Bébé
- Robbie Brotherton from Principality Society
- Louise Frampton from Thames Valley Construction
Outstanding Contribution to Finance
- Frank Holmes
For information about the Finance Awards Wales, please visit https://www.financeawardswales.com/
photo credit www.timbishopstudio.com
