Look who’s judging…

The Abchaps were out in force on Wednesday at the Growth Company Investor's Quoted Company Awards at the Grosvenor House Hotel, scattered around the room on tables hosted by St Helen’s Capital, Vitesse Media, and HW Fischer. There was of course also an Abchurch hosted table, which included some of our fabulous clients Lighthouse, zamano, Medicsight and BrainJuicer, as well as some of the ultimate movers and shakers from Collins Stewart, Jefferies, Mazars and Canaccord. You know who you are!

Our very own Heather Salmond, Managing Director at Abchurch, was given an illustrious position on the judging panel, and took part in the interesting and lively debates about the merits of the companies and individuals in each of the categories leading up to the Awards. Owen Waft of K&L Gates’ email the next day said it all: “Highlight of the evening was, undoubtedly, nearly choking on my bread roll on seeing Heather’s visage on the Panel of Judges pages in the programme”.

The event itself was a super night, very interesting to hear Lord Seb Coe speak, and a great opportunity to catch up with contacts after the holiday period. And despite the state of the market it was a very upbeat night, with much celebration from the winners (particularly the very charismatic and lively Kate Bleasedale of Healthcare Locums – I wish they had given her a microphone!). And with plenty of alcohol, the evening went on for probably longer than strictly necessary! All in the name of Market Communications...

Congratulations to all the winners:

Investor of the Year: Gervais Williams, Gartmore Growth Opportunities Investment Trust
IPO of the Year: Hugh O’Donnell, Kentz
Deal of the Year: Anthony WP Sage, Cape Lambert Iron Ore
Specialist Investment Vehicle of the Year: Ventus VCT, Charles Conner
Finance Director of the Year: Rene Gawron, SQS
Entrepreneur of the Year: Kate Bleasdale, Healthcare Locums
Non-Executive Director of the Year: Stuart Doughty, Scott Wilson Group
Chairman of the Year: David Rasche, SSP
Chief Executive of the Year: Charles Wilson, Booker
Lifetime Achievement Award: Andy Buchanan, Octopus

Jo