These business directors from across the North West are hoping to be named the nation's best next month.
Representing the very best of talent from across areas including Manchester, Liverpool and Cheshire, they have all been shortlisted for accolades at the Institute of Directors' Director of the Year Awards, and will attend a glittering ceremony in London next month.
Among those who won the North West regional awards and are therefore nominated for nationals are Marnie Millard OBE of Newton-le-Willows-based Nichols PLC – famed for the North West’s very own Vimto, and Dr Maurizio Bragagni MBA of Tratos Ltd in Knowsley.
That's as well as Steve Park of Warrington & Co, Stockport-based Donald Moore of Rowlinson Knitwear and James Timpson OBE of Wythenshawe-based Timpson Group.
Claire Ebrey, the awards' Regional Director for the North West and Isle of Man, said: “We could not be prouder of the individuals who deservedly won their categories at our regional awards ceremony back in April.
"We have every confidence that they will be bringing back a number of national accolades from October’s national final.
“The annual IoD Director of the Year awards give us such a great opportunity to publicly acknowledge the diverse achievements of our entrepreneurial and inspiring business leaders here in the North West.
"It also gives us a platform to show the rest of the UK how we are pioneering best practice, even in these challenging times.
“We wish everyone the very best of luck!”
The event, which this year is being hosted by veteran broadcaster Sir Trevor McDonald OBE, will take place on October 18 at The Brewery, London, featuring 100 high-achieving finalists from businesses and organisations from Aberdeen to Lincolnshire.
The regional winners, who will now compete for the national awards, are:
Corporate Social Responsibility - Donald Moore, Rowlinson Knitwear
Family Business sponsored by Crowe - James Timpson OBE, Timpson Group
Inclusivity - Debbie Francis, Direct Rail Services Ltd
Innovation sponsored by All Work & Social - Dr Maurizio Bragagni MBA, Tratos Ltd
International sponsored by DIT - Marnie Millard OBE, Nichols PLC
Non-Executive - Matthew White, The University Caterers Organisation Ltd
Public Sector - Steve Park, Warrington & Co
Small-Medium Business sponsored by Forza - Donald Moore, Rowlinson Knitwear
Start-Up sponsored by ACCA - Paul Kerruish, The Fynoderee Distillery
Third Sector sponsored by Salford Business School - Maura Jackson, BACKUP North West
Young - Andrew Avanessian, AppLearn
