Proud Moment for Our Team and Our City

I’m incredibly proud to share that Heligan Group has been announced as a finalist in the Best Company for Training, Education & Apprenticeships category at the Birmingham Business Awards 2026.

This nomination means so much because it recognises something we truly believe in: investing in people, developing careers, and creating a competitive advantage through a team of “super-analysts!”

Training, education, and apprenticeships aren’t bolt ons for us — they’re part of who we are. From supporting new graduates when they start each September and seeing them grow in confidence, to helping experienced colleagues stretch and progress, we’re committed to creating opportunities that are accessible, meaningful, and future focused. It also makes great business sense. Recent research from Harvard Business school (A. Heinrich, 2025) shows that companies experience a 17 % increase in productivity and a 21% boost in profitability when employees receive targeted training. At Heligan we pride ourselves that “We see things differently,” committing to a long-term training programme gives us all a sense of purpose which fuels a culture where growth and innovation thrive. 

What makes this especially special is that I personally started my corporate finance journey as an undergraduate and then graduate, studying ICAEW many moons ago. I’m eternally grateful for that opportunity. I have since gone on to “pay back” by supporting others — changing lanes and becoming an ICAEW tutor in 2018. After a decade in education, I’m now enjoying being back in practice, and I’m immensely proud to meet peers who confess that I taught them and helped them qualify (although it does show my age!).

I was also delighted to take on the role of People Leader at the beginning of this year, which is a unique role for CF. The job is incredibly rewarding and varies every day. I like to think my combination of experience in practice, industry, studying the exams myself, and eventually being behind the lectern, means I can be a useful support to the apprentices who join us.

This nomination reflects the collective effort of so many:

• Analysts who show up every day with admirable dedication and ambition
• Managers and mentors who take the time to coach and develop others
• Teams who champion learning as part of everyday work, not just a programme

Being recognised at a regional level, and in a city I trained in myself, is fantastic. Contributing to the development of a city as inspiring and diverse as Birmingham is something I am incredibly proud of. Our people strategy reinforces that when you nurture talent properly, everyone benefits: people, businesses, and communities.

Whatever the final outcome on June 11th, this nomination is a reminder of why we do what we do. And it’s motivation to keep raising the bar.

Thank you to everyone who makes our learning culture what it is. This one’s for you.