FDs ranked in TMT ‘Hot list’ by BDO
TWO North West financial directors are celebrating success following the BDO Hot 20 FDs in TMT awards dinner last night in London.
Steve Smith of acqusitive Lancashire telecoms company Daisy Group and the BBC’s Ian Haythornthwaite – a key figure in the move by the corporation to MediaCity.uk – were both honoured at the event which saw 70 FDs and chief financial officers from across the UK be nominated for the top 20 accolade.
The Hot 20 FDs in TMT report by accountancy and business advisory firm BDO reveals that the most successful FDs are helping companies expand into new sectors and markets through an increase in M&A activity.
Of the 20 FDs recognised in this year’s awards, nearly all have led at one merger or acquisition in the last 12 months. Increased confidence has also been evident in their pursuit of international expansion.
The report praises the North West winners, describing Steve Smith as having “Investor Relations down to a t”. Since joining Daisy in 2009, he has overseen 20 acquisitions.
Ian Haythornthwaite was credited for leading the BBC through its relocation from London to Salford and creating a financial model that reports to the Trust. He was described by judges as an “Old-school FD with a passion for new media.”
Julien Rye, partner and head of TMT at BDO in the North West, said: “This year’s competition has revealed that the most successful FDs must be more than simply a ‘numbers person’.
“Steve and Ian deserve this recognition; they have both achieved great things in the last 12 months. They are impressive business leaders, who perform a wide range of roles and continue to innovate and develop their organisations to ensure future success.”
