A leading business professional from a Leamington based charity has scooped a prestigious regional award.
Marie Bawden director of finance and human resources at Castel Froma on Lillington Road, Leamington, has been named Coventry and Warwickshire Business Services Professional 2014.
She was presented with the accolade during the sixth annual Coventry and Warwickshire FirstPro Awards ceremony held at the Ricoh Arena to celebrate the skills and expertise of professionals across the region.
The awards are designed to encourage continuing professional development, raise the profile of professionals locally and recognise those individual professionals who contribute to the growth of the sector by putting something back into the community.
Marie, who is a qualified accountant with over 20 years’ experience, beat off competition from peers at Prime Chartered Accountants, Jaguar Land Rover, Dafferns LLP and Stewart Fletcher and Barrett.
She was commended for her work with Castel Froma a specialist brain injury care and rehabilitation centre which helps to support people disabled by brain injury.
Marie attended the awards evening as a guest of Leamington based accountants and financial advisors Harrison Beale & Owen (HB&O) which has acted as the centre’s accountants for more than 10 years.
Harrison Beale & Owen also featured as corporate sponsors at this year’s event and supported Marie throughout her nomination.
Marie said: “I am delighted to have received the award but it is really a reflection of the work undertaken by our team and hopefully helps to raise the profile of vital services provided by Castel Froma.
“The staff at the centre work to provide day, respite and residential care and rehabilitation for around 70 individuals every year and it is fantastic to be a part of a team that is dedicated to helping vulnerable disabled people live a fuller life.
“It was fantastic to have the support of our accountancy firm Harrison Beale & Owen which has supported Castel Froma for over a decade by helping to raise vital funds for the charity.”
Mark Ashfield, director at HB&O which also has an additional office in Coventry, said: “We have witnessed first-hand the important work the charity carries out and the positive impact it has on people’s lives.
“We are delighted that Marie has been recognised for her dedication and hard work at the charity and hope that the recognition will help to promote Castel Froma within the local community.”