02 April 2015
After more entries than in any previous year the nominees for Coventry & Warwickshire First’s FirstPro 2015 are exceptionally strong. The FirstPro 2015 will be announced at a gala dinner on 23 April at the Ricoh Arena, along with each of the five category winners.
Coventry & Warwickshire First, run by its members for its members, represents professional and financial services firms. It provides the voice of the professionals, helps its members develop relationships that grow business and provides valuable insights.
“The shortlisting process has been particularly tough this year,” explained Martin Gibbs, Chair of Coventry & Warwickshire First and Senior Partner at Dafferns. “With 37 entries across the five categories it wasn’t easy to narrow it down to the shortlist for each category. This more than anything emphasises the strength and depth of the professional services community in the area and its potential to help growth the local economy.
“Particularly strong was the Young Professionals category, highlighting the calibre of the talent coming through the next generation.”
The nominees are:
Legal Professional: Rachel Gwynne, Wright Hassall; Christopher Jones, Wright Hassall; Laura Summer, Askews Legal.
Finance Professional: Mike Divers, Brooks Macdonald; Leon Sloyan, Santander; Jason Strain, Harrison Beale & Owen Financial Services; Maria Thomas, Barclays.
Property Professional: Gus Bhandal, Warwickshire County Council; James Brookes, Bromwich Hardy; James Walton, Sheldon Bosley.
Business Services Professional: Helena Bassett, Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce; Lisa Evans, Arthur J Gallagher; Vikki Whittemore, Wright Hassall.
Young Professional: Philip Ballard, Cranfield Business Recovery; Sophie Breeze, Dafferns; Chrissie Duxson, University of Warwick; Louise Hargrave, Arthur J Gallagher; Carl Malcolm, Dafferns; Paige Howitt, Stewart Fletcher Barrett.