Montirex and Liverpool FC win big at the Finance Director of the Year Awards 2025

Liverpool organisations Montirex and Liverpool Football Club were two of the big winners at the annual Finance Director of the Year Awards which took place in the city last week.

The 2025 Finance Director of the Year Awards took place at the Crowne Plaza Liverpool on 13 November 2025. Hosted by Accountable Recruitment in partnership with HSBC, Brabners, and KPMG, the event honoured exceptional financial leaders from Merseyside, Lancashire, Cheshire, North Wales, and Warrington.

These prestigious awards celebrated the often-underestimated contributions of finance directors who play a pivotal role in driving business success across the region. In addition to acknowledging so many brilliant finalists and winners, the evening also raised funds for Claire House Children’s Hospice.

The highlights of the evening included the recognition of John Reid, Finance Director at Montirex, who was named the Overall Winner and Finance Director of the Year 2025 and Andy Hughes of Liverpool Football Club receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award, in recognition of his distinguished career and unparalleled financial and commercial leadership.

Regional category winners included:

• Liverpool City Region: Carole Shaw, Mason Owen
• North Wales: Sandy Murray, ClwydAlyn
• Cheshire: Maura Evans, Uren Food Group Limited
• Warrington: Andy Campbell, Wain Group Limited

Full List of 2025 Winners:

• Lifetime Achievement Award: Andy Hughes – Liverpool Football Club
• Special Recognition Award: James Drewe-Smith – Seras & Mark Lawton – Travcorp Holdings
• Up to £12m Turnover: Nicky Silvano – Webber (NW) Ltd
• £12m – £15m Turnover: Emma Cleland – MSite by Infobric
• £15m – £40m Turnover: Chris Hatton – Fieldway Group
• £40m – £70m Turnover: Shivaun Jones – Dovehaven Care Home Group
• £70m – £100m Turnover: Andy Bones – PAM Group
• £100m – £200m Turnover: John Reid – Montirex
• Large Corporate: Katie Shortland – NWF Group plc
• Charity & Not for Profit: Tom Owen – Chester Zoo
• Under 40 Years of Age: Charlotte Owen – Forge Holiday Group Ltd
• Cheshire Regional Award: Maura Evans – Uren Food Group Limited
• Liverpool City Regional Award: Carole Shaw – Mason Owen
• North Wales Regional Award: Sandy Murray – ClwydAlyn
• Warrington Regional Award: Andy Campbell – Wain Group Limited
• International Award: David Bargh – GBG
• Overall Winner & Finance Director of the Year: John Reid – Montirex

Simon Massey, Managing Director of Accountable Recruitment, reflected:

“It was another challenging year for the economy yet our talented finance directors turned challenges into opportunities, inspired their teams to keep going and to look for and execute the efficiencies, the cost savings, the growth. They really excelled this year more than ever before, in a year where their insight and financial stewardship was appreciated and needed more than ever in the boardroom. The awards truly were a fitting celebration of their efforts and achievements”

Nik White, Managing Partner at purpose-led independent law firm Brabners, added:

“We regularly see first-hand the fantastic work finance directors do in shaping the financial health and strategic direction of their organisations across the region. In turn this supports and contributes to that of the wider economy, and it is fantastic to see so many recognised this evening with these nominations and awards. Congratulations to everyone.”

Tom Carter, Area Director of Corporate Banking at HSBC, said:

“2025 has been another unpredictable and at times, challenging year. Despite this, the regions business community continues to showcase its entrepreneurial spirit, resilience and focus to take advantage of opportunities and deliver outstanding results. HSBC is delighted to sponsor the FD of the Year awards for the 12th year, an event that celebrates the spirit of this region and most importantly, those individuals and teams that drive and support this in their everyday actions. Huge congratulations to the winners and to all of the finalists – you should be really proud of this achievement. ‘’

Jennifer Lee, Office Senior Partner for KPMG in Liverpool, commented:

“Congratulations to this year’s winners who really stood out to the judges for the fantastic work they’ve been doing in the region. Finance directors play an integral part in businesses, so it’s great we are able to continue to recognise the role they play and the impact they have through these awards.”

You can find out more about the Finance Director of the Year Awards HERE.

Read your UltimaTe Guide to Christmas in Liverpool HERE.