Boss named North West CEO of the Year

THE chief executive of Optionis Group, Rob Crossland, has been named CEO of the Year for the North West by the British Private Equity & Venture Capital Association (BVCA).

And the impressive performance of the Warrington-headquartered freelancer and SME services company over the past 12 months under Crossland’s leadership was commended by the judges as part of the BVCA Management Team Awards.

Organised in association with Grant Thornton, the awards are designed to recognise and celebrate the achievements of the UK’s leading businesses backed by private equity and venture capital.

Olptionis is backed by MML Capital Partners and specialises in providing tax, employment, accountancy and legislative compliance solutions to freelancers, contractors, small businesses and recruitment firms.

Other North West winners and categories were: Lage Buyout Private Equity-backed Management Team of the Year – Innovia Grouped, backed by Arle Capital Partners; Mid Market Private Equity-backed Management Team of the Year – Character World, back by RJD Partners, Palatine Private Equity; Venutre Capital-backed Management Team of the Year – Tyres on the Drive, backed by Enterprise Ventures, MMC Ventures; International Impact Management Team of the Year – Travel Counsellors, backed by Equistone Partners Europe; Exit Management Team of the Year – Metronet, backed by LDC; Community & Environmental Action Award – MoneyPlus Group, backed by Palatine Private Equity; Best for Innovation – Epistem, backed by Calculus Capital.