Launch for landmark annual awards

The prestigious awards recognise the contribution that firms and their people make to the Scottish financial services sector and wider society.

This year’s awards will be especially significant as Scottish Financial Enterprise (SFE) marks its 40th anniversary. Founded in May 1986, the representative body for Scotland’s financial services industry, advocates for a stronger, more inclusive and sustainable sector that plays its part in solving the big challenges of the time, locally and globally, on behalf of its members.

There are eight awards categories, including a new FinTech award which has been added for the first time this year in recognition of the growing significance of this sector.

Sandy Begbie, chief executive of Scottish Financial Enterprise, says: “As SFE marks it’s 40th year, we’re more excited than ever about the launch of the annual Scottish Financial Services Awards. They are the ideal way of recognising the achievements of individuals and businesses from across the industry.

“Last year, we welcomed over 700 colleagues from across financial and professional services for an unforgettable evening, with tables and tickets fully sold out. We’re looking forward to bringing everyone together again this year for an even bigger celebration.”

Sue Dawe, EY Scotland Country Managing Partner says: “Each year, the awards are a brilliant celebration of the very best of Scotland’s financial services but this year, SFE’s 40th anniversary, makes this all the more poignant.

“While we are hugely proud that Scotland’s financial services contribute £17.7bn GVA to the economy, importantly, it also supports 151,000 jobs. These awards allow us to acknowledge the individuals at the top of their game – challenging norms, pushing innovation and making a difference to the communities they work in. And that is why EY has proudly sponsored these awards for more than 20 years.”

The Scottish Financial Services Awards are set to be held on Thursday, 29 October in the centre of Glasgow.

This year’s charity partner is Childline, which is also marking its 40th anniversary. Childline provides a free, private and confidential counselling service where young people under the age of 19 can talk about anything online or on a call. The charity’s counsellors are trained staff and volunteers who are committed to helping young people.

Lauren Burke, Childline team manager in Glasgow, comments: “We are absolutely delighted to be selected as Scottish Financial Enterprise’s chosen charity this year, as the NSPCC celebrates Childline’s 40th birthday.

Since Childline started in 1986, we have delivered over 6 million counselling sessions. This number alone tells us that we’re a vital service for young people across the country.

“Our Childline bases in Glasgow and Aberdeen couldn’t help to deliver this life changing work without the support of partnerships like this one.

“We’re looking forward to the awards night and working together with the team to raise crucial funds for Childline in Scotland.”

Here is a list of all the categories represented in this year’s awards. Please enter by Friday, 3 July:

- Rising Star Award

- Changing Customer Needs

- Skills and Inclusion

- Business Growth

- Net Zero Award

- Innovation

- FinTech

- Chairs Award

For more information, go online and visit: www.sfe.org.uk/categories-nominations

The evolution of SFE

The initial idea for a body to represent Scotland’s financial services industry came during a Scottish Council for Development and Industry (SCDI) conference held in Aviemore in 1984.

Following the formation of a working group, spearheaded by Bank of Scotland Governor Sir Thomas Risk, with input from Scottish Development Agency (SDA) chief executive George Mathewson, plans were developed to take forward the establishment of the body.

The organisation was formally launched as Scottish Financial Enterprise in May 1986 and has been working for its members since.