In 2007 Peter guided the precision engineering group through the £945 million sale of the business from then owner Carlyle Group to Oak Hill Capital Partners, a leading US-based private equity firm.

Peter, who has been with the company for 14 years and became finance director in 2006, was presented with his award by Andy Bond, chief executive of Asda.

After receiving his award he said: "It's wonderful to be recognised by my peers in this way. More importantly it reflects the tremendous progress Firth Rixson has made over the last few years to become what it is today – a leading global supplier to the aerospace industry."

Stephen Mitchell, 28, who works for Sheffield Chamber of Commerce, picked up the Finance Director of the Year award in the small to medium enterprise category.

Stephen said: "I am so thrilled to have won this award but it was a huge surprise. I know I was up against some stiff competition from across Yorkshire, so was in very good company on the night.

"I am fortunate enough to have been successful early on in my career, so to be recognised for my hard work is very encouraging and I hope to continue the success that the Chamber has seen in the last few years."
Stephen joined the Chamber in 2004 as business development manager for South Yorkshire International Trade Centre before becoming the Chamber's company secretary and, in 2007, finance director.

His achievements were recognised on a national scale earlier this year when he appeared in the 2008 'Who's Who of Britain's Business Elite – Young Business Leaders' publication, placing him in the top 4 per cent of eminent young business leaders under the age of 35.

The awards, which seek to recognise the key contribution and exceptional performance of the region's top financial directors, are now an established event on the Yorkshire calendar and are known as the leading competition of its kind in the region.

The seventh annual awards took place on September 24 at Rudding Park near Harrogate.

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