Central South: Finance directors recognised in BDO/CMA gala awards

Technology, investment and finance business Just Develop It was named Central South Mid Market Company of the Year at BDO LLP’s annual gala dinner at the Hilton at the Ageas Bowl.

BDO also recognised the talented finance directors in the region. In partnership with CMA Recruitment Group, they named Joe Jeffers, chief financial officer at Peach Technologies, as the Central South Mid Market FD of the Year.

Attended by more than 150 business leaders and stakeholders, the BDO event, hosted by BBC South Today’s Laura Trant, shone a spotlight on the region’s top performing mid-sized companies including Just Develop It and fellow finalists, Southampton-based national car retailer Imperial Cars and airline & MRO consumable solutions provider PDQ Airspares, in Fordingbridge.

Malcolm Thixton, lead partner at BDO Southampton, said: “Over the last 12 months, companies in the Central South have continued to achieve success against a backdrop of economic uncertainty. Our three excellent finalists typify the huge diversity of businesses in this region.”

“Just Develop It is a dynamic and diverse young company that has performed exceptionally well against our key criteria of leadership and vision, driving innovation and approach to new markets, all leading to sustained and impressive growth with great prospects for the future. They have a very clear plan, ambitious goals and a real focus on retaining and rewarding their people whilst creating the best work environment for them that they can.”

Commenting on the FD of the Year announcement, he continued: “Joe has had an exceptional year. Initially FD at Taylor Made Computer Solutions, where he played a key role in their growth and making the business an attractive acquisition target for Peach Technologies. He was then instrumental in the success of that transaction.”

Richard Dibden, commercial director at CMA Recruitment Group, added: “The quality of our finalists made it exceedingly difficult to choose a winner, but Joe is an excellent example of a modern FD, delivering on projects previously outside of the traditional remit. He has displayed tremendous leadership qualities and demonstrated the ability to deliver on cost pressure initiatives, identifying inefficiencies and finding new investment opportunities.”

While the wider economic challenges were recognised, the evening was very much a celebration of the diversity of the region’s mid-sized companies and the three finalists a great example of businesses that will be the bed rock of the ‘new economy’. Led by far-sighted individuals and strong management teams willing to take a risk by investing in new systems, processes and people and in some cases by disrupting the market.