Awards: Squires’ chief named partner of the year; Chartered accountants honour Manchester talent

Elvin, who has overseen a number of key recent partner hires, led the negotiations for the international firm’s new Manchester office. 

More than 500 people attended the awards, organised by Manchester Law Society.

Veteran Weighmans consultant Graeme Jump received the Lifetime Achievement award for his services to the legal profession, following a 50 year career.

Eversheds scooped no fewer than five awards – including the much coveted large firm of the year title. The firm also won in the : associate of the year (which went to Elizabeth Tindall), pro bono/community initiative, corporate/commercial team of the Year, litigation team of the year categories.

The title of small firm of the year went to HRC Law with Turner Parkinson named medium firm of the year.

Chloe Themistocleous from JMW Solicitors was named trainee of the year. Rachel Stevens from Bolton-based Keoghs was named Chartered Legal Executive of the Year.

LHS won the  regulatory team of the year for the second year, while Olliers triumphed in the crime category.

DAC Beachcroft won for employment team, Irwin Mitchell for personal injury/clinical negligence, Slater & Gordon for private client and Shoosmiths for property.

Aequitas Legal Solicitors picked up an award for Law Firm Innovation.

Garden Court North was awarded Barristers’ Chambers of the Year, with Sally Harrison QC from St John’s Buildings being named Barrister of the Year.

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ICAEW Chartered Accountants Manchester’s annual dinner and awards event saw recognition given tothe region’s best finance teams and individuals who inspire excellent performance in both the accountancy profession and business.

The evening, held at The Lowry Hotel last Thursday, attracted more than 200 chartered accountants and guests.

As well as celebrating the awards, attendees heard a keynote speech from Guardian columnist and BBC Radio 4 presenter Guy Browning.

The Finance Leader (Practice) award, which recognises a Chartered Accountant in practice or consultancy who has shown outstanding leadership skills, was awarded to Helen Besant-Roberts of Hurst Accountants.

As the only person to join the firm as a trainee and progress to partner, Helen was recognised for the inspirational way she leads her team and trainees.

The Finance Leader (Business) award went to Atul Patel of NCC Group. Atul was praised by judges for ‘agility’ in an ever changing environment as well as his extra work this year around the acquisition of three new businesses and entering the FTSE 250.

The Finance Team of the Year award went to Peninsula Group, led by finance director, Peter Swift. Judges said that the intense focus on developing a deeper understanding of the profitability of clients and services had been particularly impressive as it clearly contributed to a significant increase in group profit.

The Rising Star accolade, which celebrates the profession’s brightest prospects in business or practice, was handed to Charlene Nunn at Mazars LLP. Already being fast-tracked through the firm, the judges said Charlene shows great technical prowess and skill in converting new business leads into revenue. Her contribution to the profession and the broader community, including her charitable work was also noted and rewarded.

Grahame Elliott CBE, was presented with the Special Recognition Award for a lifetime of achievements in business, from setting up his own practice to various non-executive roles. Particular mention was made of his extensive fundraising efforts, for example for the MRI, and many other local charities, over a period of more than 50 years. 

A joint award by ICAEW Chartered Accountants Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) was given to Sophie Bollen of White and Company Ltd, who was the highest achieving student on the MMU Accountancy degree course 2015.

Colin Gillespie, president of ICAEW Chartered Accountants Manchester, said: “This year the competition for our awards was tougher than ever, leading to much debate among the judges.  In each category the winner was exceptional, having worked hard and maintained a high level of performance throughout the year, and I was delighted to present the awards on behalf of their peers on a fantastic night.”