As the East Midlands Finance Awards (EMFA) 2025 quickly approaches, we caught up with members of our external judging panel, consisting of business leaders and industry contributors, to gain insight into their decision-making process for selecting the winners (and runners-up) across the five categories. This year, which marks our fifth celebration, has seen our panel divide into smaller groups to take responsibility for judging each award. We also explored what the judges are most looking forward to at the upcoming celebration on the 19th of June.
What approach, skills or achievements are you looking for in your award nominees?
Danny Baker, Head of Finance at Nottingham Police
Judge of Finance Team of the Year (10+):
I am looking for great examples of working together in a team to deliver results. How skills are harnessed and developed to allow the team to be the best they can be, and for everyone to work toward the same end goal. Also, what really inspires me is how a finance team can drive immense value in an organisation and be a leading force.
I attended last year as my team was nominated and won, the finance team of the year (10+). It was a great night and so good to be surrounded by such brilliant talent from all corners of the East Midlands.
Claire Andrews, Director of Business Finance at Dunelm
Judge of the Finance Team of the Year (>10):
In my opinion, a great finance leader or team has two overarching qualities. Firstly, the ability to drive change and make a difference in their business or organisation, well beyond the scope of Finance. Secondly, adaptability, resilience and the ability to develop new ways of doing things to adapt to changing business needs or environments.
Nina Shaw, Financial Controller at Blinds 2 Go Limited
Judge of Unsung Hero:
For me, an Unsung Hero is someone who is known for consistently delivering excellence but is unassuming and modest about what they do. They might be a tenacious driving force behind the scenes, stepping up to overcome challenges without seeking recognition, or ‘just doing their job’ whilst quietly going above and beyond to make an impactful difference.
Kate Box, Founder of HR Impact Lab
Judge of Rising Star:
A rising star will need to demonstrate an exceptional willingness to learn, an ability to join the dots in their functional role with the bigger business issues, to consider who their customers are and how they can delight them, and show signs of how they influence and persuade others across the business.
Dawn Conneely, Head of Finance, Bellrock Group
Judge of Rising Star:
Someone who has gone above and beyond in their role and shows the ability to not only demonstrate the technical skills to excel in their role but also demonstrates curiosity, drive and collaboration.
Nic Elliott, Director & Head of Employment, Actons
Judge of Rising Star:
A rising star who can show leadership qualities and commitment to the profession!
Liz Fuge, Deputy Head of Corporate Banking, HSBC
Judge of the Finance Team of the year (<10):
I’m looking for the difference the finance team makes to the overall organisation and its part in how it supports the strategic aims. The team should be proactive and adaptable in a changing world; collaboration is also key. Teamwork is everything. It’s also about supporting each other, helping others develop to achieve their potential, an inclusive culture and how the team can make a difference to wider society. It’s not just about producing a set of numbers!
I’ve attended the awards dinner before and it was brilliant to see the talent in the room and the high quality of nominations received.
What are you most looking forward to at this year’s ceremony?
Danny: For me, it is the recognition of the talent we have in the region. We are rich in that and it is wonderful to see this being recognised through all the nominations.
Nina: To actually stand back and have the time to celebrate success and the fabulous contribution and hard work that so many people in finance deliver, but is often overlooked. To meet new, talented people and forge relations with those in various, diverse sectors, as only the East Midlands can offer!
Helen: The EMFA Awards ceremony will be a great opportunity to see people in the local finance community receiving deserved recognition for the valuable roles they play.
Claire: Celebrating successes of finance teams and individuals across the East Midlands, and meeting new people (or re-meeting old acquaintances!) in this wonderful community!
Distinct remains completely impartial in the selection of all EMFA winners. Thank you to our full judging panel for this year’s event:
Anshu Mehan, Dains (formerly HSKSG)
Natalie Yates, Experian
Liz Fuge, HSBC
Danny Baker, Nottinghamshire Police
Claire Andrews, Dunelm
Adam Flanagan, Dains Accountants & Advisers
Neil Musgrove, Experian
David Bains, LDC
Helen Evans, MOLSON COORS BREWING COMPANY (UK) LIMITED
Nina Shaw, Blinds 2go
Kate Box, HR Impact Lab
Nic Elliott, Actons
Dawn Conneely, Bellrock Group
The EMFA 2025 will take place at the Nottingham Contemporary on Thursday, 19th June. For all the action, follow our LinkedIn page!
