Burberry and British Airways scoop up wins at the 2025 London and South East Finance Awards

Thursday (23 November), saw more than 500 of the region’s top professionals, teams, and businesses gather for the fifth annual London and South East Finance Awards. The night was hosted at the JW Marriot Grosvenor House London and featured an exclusive roster of winners including the likes of Burberry, British Airways and Visa Europe.

Renowned comic Marcus Brigstock hosted the evening, which was made possible by the dynamic partnership of Robert Walters, ACCA, HSBC, Mills & Reeve & CFGI.

Competition was fierce across the 20 categories, making the awards’ notoriously rigorous judging rounds even harder. Finally, the winners and runners-up had their exceptional efforts recognised in last night’s five-star ceremony.

Over £3,000 was raised on the night for Sands, the UK’s leading pregnancy and baby loss charity. Through its dedicated team of staff and volunteers, the charity helps support the thousands of parents and families experiencing baby loss every year.

Dominic Horne, Associate Director at Robert Walters London remarks on the awards: “Last night’s Finance Awards were a powerful reminder of why we do what we do, celebrating the individuals and teams who drive innovation and success in our local business community.

“We’re grateful to have shared this unforgettable evening with our esteemed partners – ACCA, HSBC, CFGI, and Mills & Reeve – whose support makes these celebrations possible. Congratulations to this year’s winners and shortlistees; your achievements inspire us all.”

Natalie O’Byrne, Deputy Regional Director, Corporate Banking at HSBC UK Bank plc:

“What a truly unforgettable evening, a perfect blend of humour, reflection, and celebration. Sharing it alongside our award partners made it all the more special. On behalf of everyone at HSBC, I extend my warmest congratulations to this year’s winners and runners-up for their outstanding achievements and inspiring contributions.”

Greg Taylor – UK Managing Partner at CFGI:

“Last Thursday was a thoroughly enjoyable night, giving us that rare opportunity to really focus on and celebrate the accomplishments of so many excellent individuals, teams and businesses. We congratulate the winners and indeed all those shortlisted on their impressive achievements and journeys and look forward to seeing what next year has in store!”

Bridget Foley – Member Advocacy Manager at ACCA:

“Each year, the awards bring a refreshing reminder of the incredible individuals, teams, and businesses we’re fortunate to work alongside. It’s all too easy to lose sight of just how much their collective efforts contribute to the strength of our local community. Finance professionals play a vital role at the foundation of nearly every industry, and we value these moments to truly celebrate their impact.”

Andrew Seckler – Partner at Mills & Reeve:

“The awards are always a great reminder of the brilliant people, teams, and businesses we are lucky enough to have in London and the South East. It can be easy to overlook just how much their combined efforts shape and strengthen the business community. Finance professionals sit at the heart of almost every sector, and it is important we take time to recognise and celebrate the difference they make.”

2025 London and South East Finance Awards – Winners and Highly Commended:

• Energy & Natural Resources, Finance Team of the Year – CnG Fuels
• Media & Commercial Services, Finance Team of the Year – Landsec 
• Pharma, Healthcare & Life Sciences, Finance Team of the Year – Pharmaceutical Diagnostics (PDX), GE Healthcare
• Retail & FMCG, Finance Team of the Year – Lawsons Group
• Tech, Telco & FinTech, Finance Team of the Year – Molten Ventures Plc
• Leisure & Hospitality, Finance Team of the Year – IAG Cargo
• Professional & Business Services, Finance Team of the Year – Arch Insurance UK
• Finance Transformation & Change (Up to £200m Turnover) – Cero Generation
• Finance Transformation & Change (Over £200m Turnover) – Burberry (Highly Commended: Mundipharma)
• Senior Finance Leader of the Year (Over £200m Turnover) – Omair Badat, Visa Europe
• Senior Finance Leader of the Year (£50m - £200m Turnover) – Hugh Courtney, Zilch 
• Senior Finance Leader of the Year (Less than £50m Turnover) – Matthew Poulter, Physitrack Plc
• Finance Leader of the Year (Over £200m Turnover) – Sheldon Seeto, Visa Europe
• Finance Leader of the Year (£50m - £200m Turnover) – Luke Auger, CNG Fuels 
• Finance Leader of the Year (Less than £50m Turnover) – Ewa Bochnak, Ascertra
• Accounts Payable Team of the Year – David Lloyd Clubs (Highly Commended: Lawson Group)
• Accounts Receivable/ Credit Control Team of the Year – London Marathon Events Limited
•  Tax/Treasury Leader of the Year - Michael Smyth-Osbourne, Osprey Charging Network
• Rising Star of the Year – Qualified - Edgar Ferreira, Medequip
• Rising Star of the Year – Non/Part Qualified – Joshua Andrews, British Airways

-ENDS-

Notes to editors:

1. For Media Enquires: Lauren Parsons on lauren.parsons@robertwalters.com or 0121 2602551
2. About Robert Walters: Operating in 30 countries, Robert Walters Group delivers recruitment consultancy, staffing, recruitment process outsourcing and managed services across the globe. From traditional recruitment and staffing to end-to-end talent management, our consultants are experts at matching highly skilled people to permanent, contract and interim roles across all professional disciplines.