FD of the Year awards will recognise unsung heroes

FINANCE directors in the North West who work for some of the region’s most prolific companies are to be celebrated at the 2011 North West Finance Director of the Year Awards which is taking place on 29th November in Manchester.

This is the first year that the awards has taken place in the North West and the calibre of entrants is already extremely high.

Finance directors can be nominated for an award by their own companies or professional advisers they have worked with. FDs shortlisted for an award are interviewed by the judging panel.

Commenting on the varied talent, Giles Chesher corporate partner at Squire Sanders Hammonds said: “Finance Directors have had to become ambassadors for their companies as they try and meet higher expectations from banks and other stakeholders in the tougher economic environment.

“The new pressures on FDs has meant that they have had to take on a much more commercially focused role, formulating strategy, engaging more with their financial backers and being able to recognise opportunities to cut costs.

“The Finance Director of the Year Awards allows us to give welcome recognition to individuals who are not always recognised for their contributions to companies’ success.”

Awards will be presented in categories including Best Finance Director of a plc; Best Finance Director of a Ltd Company; Best Finance Director of a private equity-backed company and Young Finance Director of the Year (up to 40 years of age). There will also be an Outstanding achievement award.

Squire Sanders Hammonds is one of the sponsors of the event alongside Barclays Corporate, Sewell Recruitment Group and Ernst & Young. TheBusinessDesk.com is media partner for the awards.

For further information about the awards or to nominate an FD contact Lucinda.wood@fdawards.co.uk