Finance Director of the Year Awards Celebrates 10 Years

The Finance Director of the Year Awards celebrated its 10th birthday in a glittering black-tie ceremony and post awards party at the Crowne Plaza Liverpool, on the 16th November. Stuart Payne, Wealth at Work Group Limited won both the Liverpool City Region category and Overall Finance Director of the Year Award. Beth Tweddle, Britain’s Greatest Ever Female Gymnast, gave an inspirational talk and as she is an ambassador for Alder Hey Children’s Charity the event also raised £2195 for the Charity.

These prestigious Finance Director of the Year Awards recognise and celebrate the outstanding work done by the region’s Finance Directors, rewarding them for the tireless work they do behind the scenes to ensure the success of the businesses and organisations in which they operate. The 2023 event was made possible by continued support from awards partners Accountable Recruitment, HSBC, Brabners and KPMG. 28 finalists were recognised from a longlist of over 300 nominees and 15 winners were unveiled at the event. 

Phil Gilroy, Fourth Wall Animation Limited, creators of Milo the Cat, won the Finance Director of the Year Up to £3million Turnover Award and Richard Ewen of Iceland Foods won Finance Director of the Year Large Corporate Award. Other winners included

Carolyn Kearney, Aurorium who won International Finance Director of the Year, Richard Donovan, ESL Fuels Ltd won Commercial Finance Director of the Year and Duncan Preston, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine won a Special Recognition Award.

The full list of 2023 Winners are:

·       Finance Director of the Year Overall Winner: Stuart Payne, Wealth at Work Group Limited

·       Finance Director of the Year Up to £3million Turnover: Phil Gilroy, Fourth Wall Entertainment Limited

·       Finance Director of the Year Under 40: Katharine Jones, Farrall's Group

·       Finance Director of the Year Charity and Not for Profit: Ann Monk, Magenta Living

·       Finance Director of the Year Large Corporate: Richard Ewen, Iceland Foods

·       Commercial Finance Director of the Year: Richard Donovan, ESL Fuels Ltd

·       International Finance Director of the Year: Carolyn Kearney, Aurorium

·       Special Recognition Award: Duncan Preston, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine

·       Finance Director of the Year £10million - £14million Turnover: Andy Farrell, Midshire Signature Services Limited

·       Finance Director of the Year £40million - £200million Turnover: Andy Griffin, ASM Technologies

·       Finance Director of the Year £3million - £9million Turnover: James MacLeod, Inciner8 Ltd

·       Finance Director of the Year £15million - £39million Turnover: Marcin Gondek, FutureMeds Ltd

·       Finance Director of the Year Liverpool Region: Stuart Payne, Wealth at Work Group Limited

·       Finance Director of the Year Cheshire Region: Kris Gregory - Blue Machinery (Central) Ltd

·       Finance Director of the Year North Wales Region: Iestyn Ingman - K&C Group (NW) Limited

Simon Massey, Managing Director, Accountable Recruitment commented:

“I’m very passionate about our local business regions and having had the pleasure of working with so many talented FDs I really appreciate and understand what remarkable jobs they do, year in year out. They deserve some well-earned recognition.  We started this process with over 300 quality nominations and so to be recognised as the top Finance leaders of 2023 within this part of North West and North Wales is something to be very proud of.”

Tom Carter, Area Director Corporate Banking, HSBC continued:

“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. Rising inflation and the subsequent rise in rates have presented new challenges for businesses in the Region. However despite this, the 2023 awards once again showcase the very best of our business community and tell inspiring stories of Growth, Resilience, Innovation and Success. The Awards are about celebrating the role and achievements of the individuals that have delivered in spite of these challenges and our congratulations go to all those that are nominated and the winners, they should be extremely proud.”

Nik White, Managing Partner, Brabners added:

“As a purpose-led independent law firm with national reach, that is anchored in the North, we work collaboratively with many of the region’s talented finance directors. We couldn’t miss the opportunity to continue to celebrate those who make such a fantastic contribution to their sectors and the economy. Congratulations to the finalists and winners who have been outstanding as always.”

Jennifer Lee, Office Senior Partner, KPMG concluded:

“The Finance Director of the Year Awards provide a great opportunity to celebrate the outstanding work of finance directors in the region and the important role they play in business success. Congratulations to all of this year’s fantastic finalists and winners”