London, 17th April – The service providers that best support Britain’s financial community have been recognised in the shortlist for this year’s FDs’ Excellence Awards, held in association with ICAEW. The awards shortlist, which is determined by the results of the FDs’ Satisfaction Survey – this year, the survey was completed by 1,380 financial decision makers – assesses their views on providers of funding, auditing, advisory, recruitment and technological support to the finance functions of British businesses. PwC, KPMG, Grant Thornton, BDO, Baker Tilly and Crowe Clark Whitehall are in the running for the title of Auditor of the Year: Large Firms at the ceremony on May 9th, while Lloyds Bank will hope to be named Business Bank of the Year for the ninth year running by fighting off competition from HSBC, Barclays, Bank of Scotland and RBS. As in 2012 the awards will also recognised individual auditors and bank relationship managers who have received positive testimonials from client FDs. Access UK, Sage, Pegasus, Infor SunSystems, Advanced Exchequer and Microsoft Dynamics have been shortlisted in the Financial Software Provider of the Year: SMEs category, whilst the Recruitment Firm of the Year award will be contested by Robert Half, Hays, Robert Walters, Alexander Charles, Reed and Pure Resourcing. Created by Real Business, and supported by the CBI, the FDs’ Excellence Awards recognise the most astute FDs from quoted and privately owned companies in the UK, as well as the service providers that support Britain’s finance community. Last month the shortlists for the best-performing FTSE FDs, FD of the Future, Private Company FD of the Year, Young FD of the Year and Inspirational FD of the Year were unveiled. Michael Izza, ICAEW’s chief executive, said: “These service providers are an integral part of the finance functions of millions of British businesses. Finance directors rely upon these service providers to deliver innovation, reliability and excellence in their fields in order to ensure their business is in the best possible position to achieve its growth potential.” Matthew Rock, co-founder of Real Business, added: “The Excellence Awards shortlist represents a vast network of support, advice and funding for businesses of all sizes across Britain. The harsh economic environment has meant their expertise has been more in need than ever before, helping finance directors drive efficiencies and access funding, as well as informing business-critical, strategic decisions.” John Cridland, CBI director-general, said: “Without sound financial management, business success can be elusive. Talented financial directors can transform company fortunes and are instrumental when it comes to securing growth and creating new jobs. The CBI is pleased to support these awards.” The awards will take place at the London Marriott Hotel, Grosvenor Square on May 9, 2013. The awards are also supported by Drax, Ernst & Young, the Institute of Credit Management, the London Evening Standard, Lloyds Bank, Asset Match and MWB Business Exchange.