Regions Finance Directors Show Outstanding Leadership at the Finance Director of the Year Awards

Guests at the awards enjoyed a motivational talk by entrepreneur and guest speaker: Kavita Basi, Author, Speaker, Blogger, Ambassador for the Brain & Spine Foundation, The Bee Foundation & Same You org. CEO of Jardin Living. Over £1000 was raised on the evening for the Brain and Spine Foundation.

Matthew Acheson, Chief Financial Officer at Baker & Baker Group Limited in Bromborough won both the Overall Finance Director of the Year Award and his category award Finance Director of the Year (Large Company). Matthew helped oversee and execute a huge divestment and separation from CSM bakery solutions.   In its first year as a standalone business as Baker & Baker, Matthew has helped deliver significant growth during what has been an incredible journey.   Successfully completing a complex business separation during normal market conditions is challenging but considering raw material inflation and the impact of Covid-19, Matthew demonstrated considerable resilience and agility to deliver not only this transaction but also an impressive financial performance throughout this year.

Regional winners included Finance Director of the Year (Wirral & West Cheshire) - Alison Williams from Alpha RSL Limited t/a Alpha Living, Finance Director of the Year (North Wales) - Lowri Thomas from Thomas Holdings North West Limited and Finance Director of the Year (Liverpool) Mary Oliver - Bibby Line Group Limited. Jim Kane, Chief Financial Officer at Community Integrated Care won Finance Director of the Year (Charity / Not for Profit).

Simon Massey, Managing Director of Accountable Recruitment said: “Business Owners and the boardroom look to our Finance Directors more than ever before to navigate their businesses through these seemingly never ending, choppy waters.  I’m very passionate about our local business regions and having had the pleasure of working with so many talented FDs within the local area I really appreciate and understand what remarkable jobs they do, year in year out. As a result, I feel that they deserve some well-earned recognition and would like to say congratulations to all of the finalists and winners this year.”

Nik White, Managing Partner of Brabners said: “The Awards are a great opportunity to celebrate the unsung heroes of the finance teams who do so much to drive their businesses forward and keep the region’s economy growing. We’re delighted to shine a spotlight on the talent that we see throughout the region-the standard of the entries was outstanding and it has been a pleasure working the KPMG, HSBC and Accountable Recruitment to highlight the very best.”

Jennifer Lee, Senior Office Partner for KPMG in Liverpool said: “Companies have relied on their finance directors to help them face into unprecedented headwinds over the last year, from fierce inflationary pressures to swift changes in market dynamics. We see that commitment on the ground every day from finance directors across the region. These awards are important in recognising this crucial work while highlighting the individuals that have gone above and beyond in providing financial stability and a platform for growing their businesses.”

Tom Carter, Corporate Area Director at HSBC said: “HSBC is delighted to be part of the FD of the Year awards once again, an event that never fails in its pursuit of inspiring stories from the business community across the North West. The challenges facing businesses in the current climate are many but despite this, the 2022 awards showcase stories of Growth, Resilience, Recovery and Success. Tonight is about celebrating the role and achievements of the individuals that make that happen and our congratulations go to all those nominated and of course our winners.”

The 2022 Winners are:

Overall Winner and Finance Director of the Year

Matthew Acheson - Baker & Baker Group Limited

Finance Director of the Year - Wirral & West Cheshire

Alison Williams  - Alpha RSL Limited t/a Alpha Living

Finance Director of the Year – North Wales

Lowri Thomas - Thomas Holdings North West Limited

Finance Director of the Year – Liverpool

Mary Oliver - Bibby Line Group Limited

Special Recognition Award

Ben Mitchell - Yodel

Commercial Finance Director of the Year

Stuart Chandler  - Sentric Music Group

Finance Director (Under 40 years of age)

Amy Wall - Ripstone

Finance Director of the year (Up to £6 Million Turnover)

Hannah Heywood - The Climbing Hanger

Finance Director of the year (£7  -  £25 Million Turnover)

Chris Bird - Adlib Audio Limited

Finance Director of the Year (£26  -  £45 Million Turnover)

Matthew Peck  - Mowgli Street Food

Finance Director of the Year (£46  -  £70 Million Turnover)

Matthew Male - Abbey Logistics Group Limited

Finance Director of the Year (£71  -  £100 Million Turnover)

Nicholas Sutherland - Atlantic Steel Processing Ltd

Finance Director of the Year (£101  -  £210 Million Turnover)

Mark Lawton - Travcorp Holdings Limited

Finance Director of the Year (Large Company)

Matthew Acheson - Baker & Baker Group Limited

Finance Director of the Year Charity / Not for Profit

Jim Kane - Community Integrated Care