Awards for ‘huge’ financial sector
THE inaugural Finance Awards Wales have honoured the leaders in the fastgrowing financial sector.
The awards are the first of their kind to recognise and celebrate the achievements of Wales’ burgeoning finance industry.
The ceremony, which was held at City Hall, Cardiff, on Friday was hosted by BBC presenter Sian Lloyd and had more than 400 people in attendance on the night.
Eleven awards were handed out, with Hodge Bank winning the Financial Services Team of the Year award.
Admiral Group scooped the award for Medium/Large Finance Team of the Year, while Caerphilly-based AerFin, the fastest-growing aerospace company in Europe, won the Small Finance Team of the Year award.
Matthew Hyde, managing director of Finance Awards Wales, said: “The finance sector in Wales is simply huge, and it’s getting bigger.
“Yet despite growing by almost 11% since 2014 and supporting some 54,000 jobs, it rarely receives the recognition it deserves. That’s what these awards are all about.
“The standard and number of entries received defied expectations and those who walked away with their awards are deserved winners.”
Che Hooking, managing director of headline sponsors Recruit 121, said: “We are delighted to have been involved in these awards and to have the opportunity to play a part in celebrating the very best finance businesses and individuals in Wales.
“By shining the spotlight on the many achievements within the sector over the last 12 months, our hope is that more and more people will recognise the outstanding contribution of the finance sector, which in turn will spur its continued growth over the next 12 months and beyond.”
The awards recognised those companies and individuals who have enjoyed significant success over the past 12 months and made a significant contribution both to the finance sector and to the wider Welsh economy.
On the launch of the awards, Ken Skates, Wales’ Economy and Infrastructure Cabinet Secretary, said: “A skilled workforce is vital in driving a strong growth economy, and in Wales our finance professionals play pivotal roles across all industries and sectors.
“These new Finance Awards Wales will recognise the very best talent and will show that Wales has the skills to compete at the highest levels of world business.”