A leading Shrewsbury business woman has scooped a top national award.

Helen Thomas, is the managing director at Dyke Yaxley Chartered Accountants, in Old Potts Way, and she has now been named as Managing Partner of the Year at a high-profile awards ceremony.

She was given the honour by The 2020 Group, which provides marketing, management and strategy solutions to practising accountants and tax professionals around the world.

Helen received her trophy from football legend Jack Charlton at the 2020 Innovation Awards ceremony held at The Ricoh Arena, Coventry.

And Dyke Yaxley were also shortlisted in the Most Innovative Large Firm and Business Consultant of the Year categories.

“I’m just absolutely stunned to have been given this award – it’s an honour to be shared with my whole team at Dyke Yaxley who have supported me so well since I took over as managing director,” said Helen.

She became the company’s first female MD when John Dodds stepped down after 40 years at the heart of the firm to become company chairman.

“I’m sure that the key to my success has been my progress through the company, which has given me the opportunity to develop a clear picture of how every element of the firm works.

“This experience has proved invaluable since I was promoted to the top job, and has helped to ensure we continue our progression from a good but very traditional firm, to a dynamic and pro-active practice, ready to cope with the challenges of the 21st Century.”

The judges recognised Helen’s instrumental role in the company’s success on a national stage – Dyke Yaxley has been named as an Investor in People for the fifth time, and is one of only two accountancy firms in the UK to achieve the Investors in Excellence standard.

They were also West Midlands Region Accountancy Firm of the Year in 2007.

“Our aim now is to develop from being a major player in Shrewsbury, to being a major player in the West Midlands – and our success so far has already proved we are well on our way,” said Helen.