West Midlands Finance Awards Winners
Businesses and professionals from across the West Midlands celebrated at a black-tie awards gala dinner on Wednesday 30th November 2016 at the ICC in Birmingham as winners were announced in 11 categories.
THE 2016 WEST MIDLANDS FINANCE AWARDS WINNERS:
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
This award recognised the outstanding achievements of a highly respected local finance professional. The committee agreed that the recipient of this award has a proven track record of driving employment within the Midlands. Their organisation demonstrates pride in creating careers at all levels, from its award winning apprenticeship programmes through to its commitment to creating careers for its top professionals. This individual has dedicated the last 20 years of their career to supporting the company’s growth ambitions. Having done numerous finance roles for them, they were appointed to CFO in 2008 and since then they have spearheaded the drive for excellence across their business.
This individual has helped build a business brand that is highly regarded throughout the globe, whilst also promoting the West Midlands itself as being a great and preferred place to do business.
WINNER
Kenneth Gregor, Chief Financial Officer
Jaguar Land Rover
FINANCE DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by GVA
This was awarded to the Finance Director with a demonstrable legacy of delivery in financial performance, leadership and management. They have been able to provide examples of providing strategic direction of their company.
WINNER
Neil Smith
Gateley Plc
RISING STAR OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by Robert Walters
Presented to the most passionate, driven and delivery focused person in the market. The winner of this award was a finance professional with under 8 years of experience and were able to provide examples of high achievement and out-performing their peer group.
NON QUALIFIED/PART QUALIFIED
WINNER
Mike Carter
Halfords Group Plc
QUALIFIED
WINNER
Richard Guest
BT Fleet
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Olivia Hodgkiss
Interserve
FINANCE TEAM OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by ICAEW
The Finance Team of the Year demonstrated excellence in their field, with proven examples of collective successes within the last 12 months. The winning team positively impacted the wider business through outstanding achievements in the delivery of projects and encompass an infectious team spirit.
FINANCE TEAM (over 20 people)
WINNER
London Midland
FINANCE TEAM (of 20 people or less)
WINNER
Volvo Financial Services
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Interserve
(Credit Management Team)
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Higgs & Sons Solicitors
SHARED SERVICE CENTRE OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce
This has been awarded to a West Midlands based Shared Service Centre that has been measured against strength of processes and people. This Shared Service Centre provided examples of key achievements around delivery and exemplary customer service.
WINNER
Tarmac
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Veolia
MENTOR OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by Synapse
This was awarded to an individual who has acted as a mentor to another finance professional(s), and has developed, coached and inspired their mentee(s).
GVA
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Majeed Iqbal
Deutsche Bank
TRAINING BODY OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by Veolia
This was awarded to the training body with the strongest track record of achievement. As well as assessing pass rates, the panel also considered breadth of courses offered along with examples of successes of its alumni.
WINNER
University of Birmingham
BUSINESS OF THE YEAR (SMALL/MEDIUM)
Sponsored by Unity Trust Bank
The winner of this award was an innovative organisation, who has shown financial growth whilst also benefitting the West Midlands' economy through employment. The business has a site and finance function in the West Midlands. Applicants for this award employed less than 250 employees.
WINNER
Connect Advertising & Marketing LLP
BUSINESS OF THE YEAR (LARGE)
Sponsored by Ovivo
The winner of this award was an innovative organisation, who has shown financial growth whilst also benefitting the West Midlands' economy through employment. The business has a site and finance function in the West Midlands. Applicants for this award employed over 250 employees.
WINNER
Rentokil Initial