FDs play a key role in tough times
TOUGH economic conditions are likely to keep finance directors at the heart of business decision-making, according to recruitment consultant Cliff Sewell.
The achievements of finance directors will be celebrated at the North West Finance Director of the Year Awards later this year. Entries are now being accepted for the awards.
Mr Sewell has seen FDs raise their profile in recent years and become central to dealings with banks and other funders. He sees the current economic conditions consolidating this position.
“In the past the FD was number two, supporting the chief executive and the managing director,” he said.
“Now they sit alongside making key strategic decisions. We speak to a lot of finance directors who say the current market is now the norm – this is how it will be for a number of years.
“FDs are helping chief executives restructure based on the current conditions. In a tough market it’s all about cash and understanding the business.”
Sewell Recruitment is suppoprting the awards along with Barclays, Ernst & Young, and Squire Sanders.
The 2012 awards categories are:
• Best FD of a Limited Company (under £50m turnover)
• Best FD of a Limited Company (over £50m turnover)
• Best FD of a Plc
• Young FD of the Year (up to 40 years of age)
• Best FD of a Private Equity-backed Business
• Best FD of a Public Sector Organisation
• Outstanding achievement award
Judging will take place during October and November with the black tie awards dinner on November 28 at The Hilton Hotel, Manchester.
The BusinessDesk.com is media partner for the awards in the North West and Yorkshire. For further information on the awards, categories and tickets, visit www.fdawards.co.uk.
