IoD names the East of England Directors of the Year

The Institute of Directors (IoD) has announced the winners of its Director of the Year Awards 2021 for the East of England.

The winners were revealed at a black-tie gala dinner and awards ceremony held at the Radisson Blu Stansted Hotel, hosted by regional chair Biplab Rakshi.

The prestigious Chair’s Award went to Michael Beckett, chief officer of Colchester Foodbank, a project founded by local churches and community groups, working together towards stopping hunger in the local area.

The IoD Director of the Year Awards celebrate leadership talent, success and achievement across all industry sectors: public, private and voluntary. They cover the counties of Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Suffolk and Norfolk.

IoD regional chair Biplab Rakshi said: “The last two years have been tumultuous for directors, to say the least. The pandemic required bold, often difficult decisions to support employees, clients and stakeholders. Throughout this period, we have seen innovation and resilience shine through – and that is clearly demonstrated by our winners this year. We can all be proud of the strength and diversity of directorial talent across the East of England.”

Keynote speaker at the black-tie event was mentor, boardroom advisor and author Alison Edgar MBE, also known as “The Entrepreneur’s Godmother”.

The winners are:

Chairs Award – Michael Beckett, chief officer, Colchester Foodbank

Highly commended – Garry Mansell, non-executive director, Fountain Partnership

Social Value and Sustainability Impact Award – Sarah Wilson, chief executive, ACE Travel Management

Highly commended – Tarnia Robertson, managing director, Ufford Park Hotel, Golf and Spa

Small Medium Business (below £50 million turnover) including Family Business – Ashley Higgs, managing director, MCG Healthcare

Highly commended – Brian Keane, managing director, Cameron Ventures Group

Early Business Award – James Groves, managing director, Indigo Swan

Highly commended – David Carey, director, Aspiring Solicitors Foundation