Newport-based recruitment specialist Acorn is celebrating after director of operations (Technical) Scott Liddle was named Leader in the Private Sector at the Leading Wales Awards.

The Leading Wales Awards, in association with Cardiff Metropolitan University, celebrate individuals whose leadership make a real difference in Wales and contribute to developing prosperity.

Scott took home the award for ‘Leadership in the Private Sector’ category for his role at Acorn, beating out tough competition from Arthur J Gallagher’s regional managing director, Mike Jones and Home Instead Senior Care’s operations director, Kate Batchelor.

Described by his colleagues as a 'cup half full' kind of leader, Scott has worked in the steel industry since he was 16 and is highly regarded by the Acorn Group.

Since joining the company in 2004, he has led and directly managed a number of key areas of the business, including the group’s IT and digital, engineering, trades, civil, construction and driving divisions.

Scott said: “I was absolutely delighted to be nominated alongside Kate and Mike and was shocked to be chosen as the winner.

“My view of leadership is simple – we must be passionate and really believe in what we can do within our industry. With passion, we can truly deliver an excellent service to our clients and jobseekers.”

Matt Southall, group managing director for Acorn, said: “From mechanical technician apprentice to director of operations, Scott leads the way for anyone wanting to work hard and achieve the best out of their career.

“Since joining us more than ten years ago, Scott has achieved so much for our company, propelling divisions to new heights and helping to develop Synaco, our Australian recruitment arm – he is a perfect example of how determination and passion translates into success.

“Scott is an asset to our board, a great role model and has proven on many occasions the great accomplishments his leadership skills can achieve, including increasing the turnover of our construction and technical l divisions by a significant 800 per cent in just a decade.”

Winners were announced at a lunchtime awards ceremony, which raised more than £2,000 for the Duke of Edinburgh charity and included an inspiring talk by independent non-executive for Welsh Rugby Union Aileen Richards.

Acorn operates from 37 branches and on-site locations across Wales, the South West, North West and South East of England, Dublin and has international offices in Australia.