There are four people on the Future Leader of the Year list for this year’s Public Finance Awards, which recognises an individual in public finance and/or governance who can demonstrate that they have made an outstanding contribution early on in their career.
Last year’s winner was Elgan Roberts, who works for the North Wales Fire and Rescue Service (and he’s a judge this year).
This year’s nominees are:
- Aimee Sharp, Management Accountant – Core Services, Lake District National Park Authority
- Jamie Shah, Senior Finance Business Partner, City of London Corporation.
- Lauren Smith, Finance Lead, Manchester City Council.
- Mickey O’Connell, Strategic Finance Manager Commercial, Westminster Council.
There are 16 categories up for grabs, and two new awards for 2026 – Outstanding Talent Management or Career Development Initiative, and Outstanding Contribution to Economic Growth.
The awards ceremony takes place on Friday 27 November 2026 at the Midlands Hotel, Manchester.
Picture by Anthony Delvin Photography
