
Unfortunately, the reality seems out of synch with the hope. UK export numbers show niggardly improvement. There is one place where the shift is taking place.
That’s among the UK’s mid-caps, judging by the shortlist for the FTSE 250 “FD of the Year” at the FDs’ Excellence Awards, in association with ICAEW. It’s striking that all shortlisted CFOs and FDs work in organisations that are expanding the UK’s innovative or international footprint. Why are midcaps showing the way in corporate performance? Should there be more government focus on supporting these businesses? What do midcaps need to help drive them to the next level?- Croda International (FD, Sean Christie) is a speciality chemicals business
- Hunting (FD, Peter Rose) manufactures equipment for the oil and gas industry
- Morgan Crucible (Kevin Dangerfield) produces some of the most high-tech ceramics used in a bewildering array of environments
- Qinetiq (David Mellors) is a defence and aerospace R&D powerhouse
- Sports Direct (Bob Mellors) is a phenomenally successful retailer (its shares are up over 400 per cent since 2008)
- And Telecity (Brian McArthur Muscroft) is at the cutting edge of IT, running the datacentres that power leading networks.
- FD of the Future (for high-potential stars of the finance team)
- Young FD of the Year
- Private Company FD of the Year.
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