North East Accountancy Awards 2015 - Winner's Guide

North East

Accountancy Awards 2015 Thursday 25th June 2015 Hilton Newcastle Gateshead

Winner’s Guide

Title Sponsor

Title Sponsor

These Awards are now in their ninth year and we are delighted to once again be part of their huge success.

Nigel Wright partners with many organisations across the North of England and it is extremely satisfying to see the region’s finance community continue to get behind the event, making it the most successful finance awards in the region.

An awards ceremony like this is a fantastic opportunity for us to congratulate and recognise finance teams and individuals across all industry sectors for their efforts.

Best Wishes, Paul Wilson, CEO Nigel Wright Recruitment

2

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

www.nigelwright.com

3

Contents

4

6

Accounting Technician of the Year

8

New Accountant of the Year

10

Accountant of the Year

12

Finance Director of the Year

14

Tax Team of the Year

16

Business Finance Team of the Year

18

Public Services Finance Team of the Year

20

Corporate Finance Deal of the Year

22

Small Accountancy Firm of the Year

24

Accountancy Firm of the Year

26

Accounting and Finance Employer of the Year

28

John Wall Award for Outstanding Achievement

30

Unsung Hero Award

5

2015 Winner

Abiola Dina, National Audit Office

6

Accounting Technician of the Year Abiola Dina, National Audit Office Accounting Technician of the Year 2015, was awarded to Abiola Dina, Assistant Auditor at the National Audit Office.

Abiola moved from Nigeria at 16 and went straight into studying for her GCSE’s, which she passed in 6 weeks. After just 3 years in the UK, Abiola joined the National Audit Office aged 19.

Her constant evaluation of the final outcome enabled her to assess and implement the most efficient route to success, and as a result, driving huge costs savings for the organisation.

The judges felt that Abiola demonstrated an incredibly professional approach to the tasks she has been assigned.

7

2015 Winner

Mark Rutter, National Audit Office

8

New Accountant of the Year Mark Rutter, National Audit Office New Accountant of the Year 2015, sponsored by NECC, was awarded to Mark Rutter, Audit Principal at the National Audit Office.

Mark has developed centrally driven tools and templates for improved performance in Probation Trusts which are now used across the whole portfolio of 34 Trusts.

He impressed the judges with his initiative and innovation.

ambassador� within the organisation.

His proven ability to approach tasks in a pragmatic and efficient manner delivered real value to his client base and the organisation.

Mark demonstrated strong project management skills and a real commitment to continuous improvement by being appointed as an “efficiency

Sponsored by

9

2015 Winner

Andy Trinder, Quorn Foods & Frank Carroll, ACCA Northern Counties Network

10

Accountant of the Year Andy Trinder, Quorn Foods Accountant of the Year 2015, sponsored by ACCA, was awarded to Andy Trinder, Group Financial Controller at Quorn Foods.

Andy has overseen a number of significant projects that have delivered huge value to the business and impressed the judges with his excellent contribution to a significant improvement in their financial performance.

The judges felt that Andy displayed tremendous team leadership qualities partnered with a firm view of the importance of integrity.

Sponsored by

11

2015 Winner

Stephen Lightley, North East Access to Finance Limited & Richard Dale, Newcastle University

12

Finance Director of the Year Richard Dale, Newcastle University Finance Director of the Year 2015, sponsored by Wesleyan Bank, was awarded to Richard Dale, Executive Director of Finance at Newcastle University.

Richard has been responsible for helping the University deliver its business plan at a time of great change in higher education. He demonstrated strong strategic leadership and innovation skills as well as exceptional technical abilities, which combined, made a significant contribution to his organisation’s sustained income growth to over £450m p.a.

and helped deliver growth in overseas business activity. He displayed an extremely high level of passion, drive and personal commitment to the success of the organisation, which is recognised by staff and senior colleagues and external partners. His strong customer focus has helped bring recognised benefits to students and the University.

Richard has delivered efficiency savings and increased annual surplus; strengthened balance sheet; increased capital investment plans to over ÂŁ300m

Sponsored by

13

2015 Winner

Susan Blair, PwC & Jodie Barwick-Bell, CIOT

14

Tax Team of the Year PwC - International Mobility Team Tax Team of the Year 2015, sponsored by the Chartered Institute of Taxation, was awarded to the International Mobility Team at PwC. PwC’s International Mobility Team with a staff of 7 is part of the company’s wider tax team and specialises in tax implications of cross border work.

The team demonstrate strong client relationships and tax technical skills, alongside a true team spirit.

They are a team within a team who work together very well and have done so over many years.

Sponsored by

15

2015 Winner

The team from Performance Horizon Group

16

Business Finance Team of the Year Performance Horizon Group Business Finance Team of the Year 2015, sponsored by R&B Group, was awarded to Performance Horizon Group.

The finance team at Performance Horizon Group are enthusiastic and dynamic with evident commitment to the business alongside the drive and determination to succeed.

The company’s international operational growth has seen the team manage large

increases in profit and they delivered a hands on approach to the development of the team itself. All of this along with customer delivery satisfaction and overall commitment impressed all of the judges during the interview.

Sponsored by

17

2015 Winner

Clive Johnson, CIPFA NE & the teams from Sunderland CCG & Sunderland City Council

18

Public Services Finance Team of the Year Sunderland CCG & Sunderland City Council Public Services Finance Team of the Year 2015, sponsored by CIPFA North East, was awarded to the joint bid by Sunderland CCG & Sunderland City Council.

These organisations came together and committed a pool of £152m into a “Better Care Fund” to improve out of hospital care.

They showed passion, enthusiasm and a can do attitude. This is an innovative partnership focussed on working

together for the benefit of their local population and is a great example of how two organisations should work together, while retaining their own accountability to deliver transformational change.

Sponsored by

19

2015 Winner

James Kyle, Rathbone Investment Management & Shawn Bone, Cavu Corporate Finance

20

Corporate Finance Deal of the Year Cavu Corporate Finance, ÂŁ7.5m equity investment into J&B Recycling by the BGF Corporate Finance Deal of the Year 2015, sponsored by Rathbone Investment Management, was awarded to Cavu Corporate Finance.

In a vintage year in dealmaking in the North East Cavu Corporate Finance had two shortlisted deals both involving development capital from the Business Growth Fund. Their winning deal scored consistently well in all the judging criteria but particularly so in innovation and benefit to the local economy. This was a development capital deal where the advisory team helped secure a significant investment from the Business Growth Fund, the first time they had invested in a Teesside based business.

It was also the first time it has backed a female entrepreneur. Cavu Corporate Finance really did make it happen by becoming de facto Finance Directors for six months prior to the transaction. This deal is expected to lead to a significant increase in employment as the funds are used to develop additional facilities in the Teesside area.

Sponsored by

21

2015 Winner

James Dale, Anderson Barrowcliff LLP; Alistair McDonald, TLW Solicitors; Andrew Dewing, Anderson Barrowcliff LLP

22

Small Accountancy Firm of the Year Anderson Barrowcliff LLP Small Accountancy Firm of the Year 2015, sponsored by TLW Solicitors, was awarded to Anderson Barrowcliff LLP. “Small� in the title is a reference to headcount and not capabilities!

Anderson Barrowcliff has shown impressive growth since it was created by merger in 2001.

The firm showed a breadth of excellence across the full range of their practice.

They demonstrated that they are supplying services to a high standard, both in the deals they have advised on and expert witness. The firm provides innovative services and commitment to their community with a well-defined plan for succession.

Sponsored by

23

2015 Winner

Rob Tindle, Northern Society of Chartered Accountants & the team from Deloitte

24

Accountancy Firm of the Year Deloitte Accountancy Firm of the Year 2015, sponsored by ICAEW/Northern Society of Chartered Accountants, was awarded to Deloitte.

Deloitte demonstrated that while they can draw on a range of specialisms on a national scale, they have large, committed, technically very able teams based here in the North East.

by clients, through improved working practices and staff engagement in a newly created Centre of Excellence.

The judges felt that the firm had reorganised processes and systems to deliver competitive advantage, valued

Sponsored by

25

2015 Winner

The team from KPMG LLP

26

Accounting and Finance Employer of the Year KPMG LLP Accounting and Finance Employer of the Year 2015, sponsored by Echo Events, was awarded to KPMG LLP. KPMG have a range of initiatives from a school leaver’s programme to community work and engagement at all levels with the UK Executive team. The judges described the firm as an example to the profession and a clear articulation of what a good employer looks like.

They demonstrated excellence in all areas providing good professional support with fun built in.

Sponsored by

27

2015 Winner

Richard Morgan, Nigel Wright Recruitment; Bill Teasdale; Robert Forrester, Vertu Motors plc

Sponsored by

28

John Wall Award for Outstanding Achievement Bill Teasdale The John Wall Award for Outstanding Achievement 2015, sponsored by Nigel Wright Recruitment’ was awarded to Bill Teasdale.

An accountant by training, Bill was a Partner at PriceWaterhouse Coopers and led their north of England practice from the early 1980s. He helped to establish Northern Investors, the dedicated regional venture capital organisation and was heavily involved with public sector regeneration body, The NewcastleGateshead Initiative.

From 2002 – 2006, he was non-executive Director and Chairman of the Audit Committee at Reg Vardy plc. Sir Peter Vardy says, ”I cannot thank or compliment Bill Teasdale enough for the tremendous support that he was both to me personally and to my company Reg Vardy plc.

Bill’s wisdom and business acumen was invaluable both in the running of the business but especially in the transaction that led to the sale to Pendragon plc in 2006. If it had not been for his sense of value the company may well have been sold for less than it was. I cannot thank him enough.

I am tempted to say more but am worried in case he comes back to me for some added consideration! But sincerely I want to congratulate him on this much deserved recognition.”

Moving on to present times, Bill is currently Non-Executive Director of a number of private companies including British Engines Limited, Astrum Limited, Bedmax Limited in addition to being a Governor of Northumbria University.

Since 2006 he has been Non-executive Director of Vertu Motors Plc and a true mentor to Robert Forrester, CEO of the company.

Robert says, “I first met Bill Teasdale when I was finance director of Reg Vardy, and Peter was looking to bring in a new non-executive director. Little did I know what an impact this first meeting would have on me. Bill became head of the audit committee at Reg Vardy and spent hours mentoring me as a young finance director. On the sale of the company, Bill helped me consider how I should develop my career. One day on a bench overlooking the Tyne eating sandwiches, we decided that the best option was for us to gather small team and set up a new company in motor retail.

Vertu was born and Bill was the midwife.

We floated the company as an Aim cash shell raising £26 million when we thought we might get £3 million. With Bill’s help, again as a non-executive director, we were able to grow the company to over £2 billion of sales and employing over 4500 people.

It is true to say that without Bill’s guidance, enthusiasm and encouragement, I would certainly not have had the confidence to engage in this endeavour. I am totally delighted to see Bill receive this outstanding achievement award.”

29

2015 Winner

Keith Proudfoot, Trustee at the Tyne Theatre & Opera House and Board Member at Northern Stage

30

Unsung Hero Award Keith Proudfoot The Unsung Hero Award 2015 was awarded to Keith Proudfoot for the support he has provided Tyne Theatre & Opera House Preservation Trust and Northern Stage (Theatrical Productions) Limited.

Keith not only volunteers to support charitable organisations but is also a true advocate of the finance and accountancy profession here in the North East.

His impact on the performance of each supported organisation has been significant and actual reserves have outstripped targeted levels in every financial year.

He is described as an outstanding and vigorous behind-the-scenes contributor, with a quiet and unassuming manner linked with a firmness which engenders trust and respect.

He has been the sole element of stability in terms of leadership throughout a period of transformation of the board providing excellent support and ensuring that charitable objectives have been at the core of decision making.

31

Many thanks to all of our sponsors this evening Title Sponsor

Category Sponsors

Official Car Partner

Judging Day Sponsor

Welcome Reception Sponsor

Many thanks to the supporting organisations

The North East Accountancy Awards are organised and managed by Echo Events & Association Management