Accountancy recruiter acknowledged again at business Oscars

Birmingham Young Professional of the Year was announced last night at the city's annual business Oscars organised by Birmingham Future. The communications category was taken by Robert Woodford.

Woodford aged 28 is head of marketing and communications at accountancy recruitment specialist Andrew Farr Associates (AFA), and it is the first time that an in-house marketing professional has taken the award in this category.

ìWhat Andrew Farr Associates have shown is that we can grow a national brand in an ethical way, utilising the skills of individuals and companies within the Midlandsî said Woodford.

Having training as an economist, Woodford transferred into marketing with Reed Personnel Services, moving on to work for Nicholas Andrews with Brook Street Bureau and Manpower before joining AFA in October 2005 ìwhat attracted me to AFA was the very reason why the company has become the fastest growing accountancy recruitment consultancy in the UK, possibly even globallyî explains Woodford ìat the top of the orgainsation Andy Farr and Vim Matharu are phenomenal business professionals and inspirational leaders, this is backed up by the support from the best collection of recruitment professionals I have ever known.î Above all concludes Woodford ìI am given the autonomy and responsibility of making the brand work. Andy and Vim understand the value of a brand and are 100% supportive; there is no ëone size fits allí blue print prescribed by faceless directors, just complete trust which translates itself into AFA being a fantastic place to workî

In only its third full year AFA, which is part of Vedior, has grown from 1 office and 3 staff to a nationwide network of 7 regional offices and 2 brands. During Woodfordís first year, brand awareness grew by a staggering 400%. The company is set to grow even further this year and they are now looking at global opportunities.

Joy Stefanicki, chairman of the BYPY team and marketing director designate at Crosby Lend Lease, said: We had an incredible volume of entries this year, all of which were of a very high calibre.î Every one of our 18 finalists is a shining role model in their chosen profession and we will be following their careers with much interest.

Andy Farr said ìthis is fantastic recognition for Robert and the entire business. Marketing within recruitment is often overlooked, but it is essential. They couldnít have made a better choice and I am very proud of the business and extremely happy for Robert.î Farr concludes that ìthis yet again confirms that we only employ the very best.î

The highest profile professional services sector award, Biztv were also present to record the event and provide shots of the glittering winners online and for the BBC Big Screen.