FRANK Holmes, chairman of the Cardiff Capital Region’s Economic Growth Partnership, has been honoured at the Finance Awards Wales 2019.

He picked up the Outstanding Contribution to Finance in Wales award at the awards, which were hosted by Recruit 121 Finance & Accounting.

Frank Holmes’ leadership skills, financial expertise and his focus on the wider community made him stand out to this year’s judges’ panel.

He was particularly celebrated for his contribution to south east Wales, taking on a key role as chairman of the CCR’s Economic Growth Partnership in November 2017.

He oversees the £1.2bn City Deal investment programme, looking for investment opportunities from which the region can flourish and become more accessible.

Frank Holmes said: “It’s a great privilege to receive this award and follow the steps of former Admiral Finance director Andrew Probert, whom I greatly admire.

“During my career I have learned that often you have to take the long hard road over an easy shortcut, to reap the long-term benefits. This also applies to the financial sector and the Cardiff Capital Region, embracing projects that will benefit the region in the long run.

“We’re investing in innovative and high-quality sectors such as the compound semiconductor cluster and looking to support the growing FinTech eco-system as well as embracing cohesive partnerships, as can be seen from our collaboration with universities for the CCR graduate scheme.”

Chairman of the judging panel was Ken Poole, head of economic development at Cardiff Council.

Earlier this year, Frank unveiled the CCR’s Industrial and Economic Plan and presented it to a global audience and potential investors in Cannes at MIPIM, the world’s leading property exhibition. The Plan builds on the region’s competitive advantage and strategically targets sectors that will help the region flourish and benefit future generations.