West Midlands Finance Awards Shortlist
Congratulations to all shortlisted nominees for 2018's awards. The exceptional quality of applications and nominations increase each year and 2018 was no exception. If you were not shortlisted for the 2018 awards, this should not deter you from applying again this year.
The 2018 shortlist provides an example of the outstanding achievements and dedication of finance professionals and businesses across the West Midlands region. We look forward to celebrating more outstanding achievements with the future nominees and applicants in 2019.
Applications and nominations for 2019 open on Thursday 21st March 2019. Find out how to apply here.
All applications were judged either in person or from a recording by the following judges and scored an average 70%:
- Guest judges
- ICAEW
- RSM
- Robert Walters
2018 WEST MIDLANDS FINANCE AWARDS SHORTLIST
RISING STAR OF THE YEAR (NON/PART-QUALIFIED)
Sponsored by - Birmingham Airport
This is presented to the most passionate, driven and delivery focused person in the market. The winner of the non/part qualified and the qualified award will be a finance professional with under 8 years of experience.
- SUNIL NAJRAN
Finance Lead at CBRE Global Workplace Solutions (GWS) EMEA
- JAYNE CRATHORNE
Team Leader at Birmingham City University
- SAM WILLIAMS
Management Accountant at Halfords Autocentres Limited
- ASHLEIGH GAY
STP Supervisor (Accounts Payable & Real Estate), Finance at McDonald's Restaurants Ltd



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RISING STAR OF THE YEAR - QUALIFIED
Sponsored by - Birmingham Airport
This is presented to the most passionate, driven and delivery focused person in the market. The winner of the non/part qualified and the qualified award will be a finance professional with under 8 years of experience.
- CHELSEY JOANNE BIRD
Group Financial Accountant at Terberg RosRoca Group Ltd
- OWEN WATSON
Finance Business Partner at National Grid Plc
- EMILY WISE
Financial Controller at BT Fleet Solutions
- PAVANDEEP JOHAL
Systems Accountant at Tarmac
- IAN BINNER
Retail Financial Accountant at Halfords Group Plc
- KERRY BARNETT
Financial Controller at GRS Group
- MATT BEATHE
Corporate Finance & Investor Relations at Halfords Group Plc
- KERRY BARNETT
Financial Controller at GRS Group
- MATT BEATHE
Corporate Finance & Investor Relations at Halfords Group Plc
- KERRY BARNETT
Financial Controller at GRS Group
- MATT BEATHE
Corporate Finance & Investor Relations at Halfords Group Plc
- KERRY BARNETT
Financial Controller at GRS Group
- MATT BEATHE
Corporate Finance & Investor Relations at Halfords Group Plc





SHARED SERVICE CENTRE OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by - GBCC
This will be awarded to a West Midlands-based Shared Service Centre and will be measured against strength of processes and people.
- VEOLIA
- JURY'S INN
- HALFORDS GROUP PLC
- RENTOKIL INITIAL PLC
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EXCELLENCE IN DIVERSITY
Sponsored by Executive Partner - RSM
This award recognises organisations that have reinforced their commitment to strengthening and promoting a diverse workforce, embedding equality and inclusion within their value system.
The organisation who will be awarded this category will be able to provide examples of their dedication and proactive attitude to improving the diversity in their workforce.
- HSBC UK
- LEGAL & GENERAL GROUP PLC
- DEUTSCHE BANK
- MONDELEZ INTERNATIONAL
- HIGGS & SONS
- Mondelez
- Higgs & Sons
- Mondelez
- Higgs & Sons





BUSINESS INNOVATION
Sponsored by - West Midlands Trains
The winner of this award will demonstrate the successful delivery and or implementation of activities that have led to the betterment of the Business. This can be anything from a Transformation Project or ERP upgrade through to the enhancement of people and their careers or something that improves the overall customer experience
- TARMAC
- CADENT GAS
- CROWDPROPERTY LIMITED
- TULIP LTD.
- STUDENT ROOST
- NATIONAL GRID






FINANCE TEAM OF THE YEAR - NOT-FOR-PROFIT
Sponsored by - Veolia
This will be awarded to a finance team that has demonstrated excellence in their field, with proven examples of collective successes within the last 12 months. The winning team may have positively impacted the wider business through outstanding achievements in the delivery of projects and encompass an infectious team spirit.
- HOUSING PLUS GROUP LIMITED
- MIDLAND HEART LIMITED
SANDWELL & WEST BIRMINGHAM HOSPITALS NHS TRUST CHARITY
WEST MIDLANDS COMBINED AUTHORITY
SANDWELL & WEST BIRMINGHAM HOSPITALS NHS TRUST CHARITY
WEST MIDLANDS COMBINED AUTHORITY
- MILLENNIUM POINT

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FINANCE TEAM OF THE YEAR - 20 PEOPLE OR LESS
Sponsored by - Hawthorn Leisure
This will be awarded to a finance team that has demonstrated excellence in their field, with proven examples of collective successes within the last 12 months. The winning team may have positively impacted the wider business through outstanding achievements in the delivery of projects and encompass an infectious team spirit
- BLADON JETS
- DUDLEY BUILDING SOCIETY
- BIRMINGHAM CITY UNIVERSITY
- SFB GROUP
- REHABILITY UK





FINANCE TEAM OF THE YEAR - OVER 20 PEOPLE
Sponsored by Executive Partner - Robert Walters
This will be awarded to a finance team that has demonstrated excellence in their field, with proven examples of collective successes within the last 12 months. The winning team may have positively impacted the wider business through outstanding achievements in the delivery of projects and encompass an infectious team spirit
- VOLVO GROUP
- HOUSING PLUS GROUP LIMITED
- CADENT GAS
- WEST MIDLANDS TRAINS LIMITED
- MCDONALD'S RESTAURANTS LTD




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FINANCE DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by Executive Partner - ICAEW
This is awarded to the Finance Director/Chief Financial Officer with a demonstrable legacy of delivery in financial performance, leadership and management.
- IAN HUGHES
Big Lottery Fund
- BERNARD O'SULLIVAN
Slicker Recycling Limited
- FRANK BARR
Baker Goodchild
- ANDREW PARRIS
Tarmac
- BEN HARWOOD
Naismiths Limited






BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by Executive Partner - Robert Walters
The winner of this award will be an innovative organisation, who has achieved financial growth due to the direct and positive impact of the accounting and finance team.
The Award partners will nominate the Business of the Year award winner following this year's interviews, the winner will be announced at the awards ceremony.