'Outstanding Woman in Business Award'
- Helen Hayton, Group Finance Director Cox Motor Group

Fast-Growing Cox Motor Group is bucking the trend as the latest award for their Group Finance Director Helen Hayton shows. Awarded the 'Outstanding Woman in Business Award' by the North West Society of Chartered Accountants, Helen came out top in a strong field from a wide range of business sectors.

The award pays tribute to the many women who make their mark within their own organisation and on business life within the region. A panel of judges made their deliberations by judging candidates on the obstacles they have faced and how they have overcome them, examples of flair, innovation, entrepreneurship and leadership. An example of the most significant achievement in the last twelve to eighteen months also needed to be demonstrated.

Nominated for the award by CLB Coopers, their nomination concluded;

Helen should win the award due to her dedication to her multi tasked role, her desire to get things 100% right first time and incredible ability to adapt and produce results in many significantly different fields.

No stranger to being awarded for her achievements, Helen was able to demonstrate a wide range of achievements to fulfil the judging panel's requirements. Included was recognition by Honda UK for her accurate submission of financial information which Honda UK grades. In 2007 Helen delivered all three of the Group's Honda operations at 'A' grade status, an unmatched feat.

Other key achievements in 2008 include the delivery of a new build Paint & Body Clinic at the flagship Honda dealership in Blackpool, playing a key role in the negotiations of the acquisition of the Volkswagen site Cumberland View in Lancaster and the successful name change to Lancaster Volkswagen. In addition, key operating expenditure savings have been led by Helen reducing some operational expenditure by over 50%. Helen combined her achievements with an active family life with husband Nick and their two children.

Cox Motor Group Managing Director, David Cox commented,

I am delighted that the work, dedication and results achieved by Helen have been rewarded. She thoroughly deserves this latest accolade.

On winning this latest award Helen said,

I was extremely proud just to be nominated for the award by CLB Coopers Ltd, so when it was announced that I had won I was over the moon. It is fantastic that women in any business can be recognised as leaders within their field.