Directors pick up national IoD accolades

Two company directors from the North West have received national awards from the Institute of Directors at its annual awards dinner.

Chester Zoo’s Jame Christon bagged the gong for director of a mid-market business, following his success at the North West regional IoD awards in March.

Joining him on stage was Chris Brindley, chairman (NED) of GreaterSport in Manchester. He was presented the non-executive director of the year award, while Ian Finch of Mando was highly commended in the leadership in corporate responsibility category.

IoD North West director Claire Ebrey said: “I really was proud to see so many leaders from the North West make it onto the shortlist here today – not to mention the brilliant achievements of Jamie, Chris and Ian in collecting accolades.

“Every year, our region has a presence and we continue to remind our national peers just how well the North West performs in creating brilliant businesses.”

The awards were hosted by BBC business correspondent Joe Lynam and took place at the London Lancaster Hotel in the capital.

There to welcome the finalists was IoD director general Stephen Martin who said: “Our awards seek to shine a light on directors who have enhanced and driven their businesses forward.

“The contenders come from different organisations – of varying shapes and sizes – but the one thing they all have in common is leadership, expertise and personal dedication.”

“During this critical period of political change, we will need to see ingenuity and tenacity displayed by professional leaders. The vibrancy and diversity of the businesses here today gives me cause to be hopeful of the strength of British industries.”