A director at Wales’ largest independent finance house, Henry Howard Finance, has been shortlisted for two leading industry awards.

Mark Burn, finance director of the Newport-based firm and HHF group board member, is up for Finance Director of the Year in the IoD Wales Director of the Year Awards 2017, which honour Wales’ most influential and motivational business leaders.

Meanwhile, he has also been shortlisted for the FDs’ Excellence Awards 2017, in the Private Company FD (finance director) of the Year category for larger businesses.

Both achievements acknowledge the efforts of the directors in establishing the firm as one of the leading independent finance providers to the UK’s SME sector.

He said: "It’s great to be shortlisted in such competitive categories.

"I’m proud to be part of such an innovative and forward-thinking team. We are always looking at ways to grow, to improve and to offer the best possible service to our clients.’’

Mr Burn was nominated by his colleagues not only for ensuring financial excellence but also for proactively contributing to decisions made by managers and staff across the business.

More than 35 directors have been shortlisted across 10 categories for the IoD Wales Awards, with the winners due to be announced at a final awards ceremony on May 19. If successful, Mr Burn will be automatically put forward for the IoD National awards, which culminate in an awards lunch in London this autumn.

Meanwhile, winners of the FDs Excellence Awards 2017 will be announced at the Royal College of Surgeons on May 17. The event, which recognises exceptional finance directors, as well as the lenders and advisers that serve them, will be hosted by comedian Dr Phil Hammond.

Henry Howard Finance is no stranger to accolades. The firm scooped a Finance Monthly Game Changer Award 2017 earlier this year for its innovative and ‘game-changing’ business approach and, in 2016, it won the title of Best Channel Business Service at the Comms National Awards, as well as Comms Business Channel Product of the Year: Professional Services at the Comms Business Awards.

Mark Crook, group chief executive officer of HHF, said: “Since joining us in 2014, Mark has supported our considerable investment and growth, including the development of four divisions dedicated to providing access to finance, equipment and services. Mark is a highly valued member of our senior management team and I wish him success with both awards next month.”