Lancashire's Speedy Freight celebrates success at Finance Awards

Speedy Freight, one of the UK’s leading same day courier and logistics providers, has won the Finance Transformation and Change (Up to £100m Turnover) award at the 2026 Finance Awards North West.

The Preston based company was shortlisted in three highly competitive categories, with this award win recognising the significant progress made in transforming its finance function and reinforcing its commitment to continuous improvement across the business.

The Finance Awards celebrate excellence across the profession and recognise organisations and individuals who are driving innovation, leadership and business performance.

Speedy Freight’s prestigious award win is testament to the finance team leading an ambitious programme of transformation, introducing new systems, improving reporting capabilities, streamlining processes and creating greater visibility across the business.

These improvements have enhanced operational efficiency while providing stronger financial insight to support strategic decision-making and future growth. It was collective effort across the business and demonstrates how continuous improvement, collaboration and innovation can deliver meaningful, lasting results.

James Pugh, chief finance officer at Speedy Freight, said: "This award is a fantastic recognition of the commitment, professionalism and ambition shown by our finance team every day. The transformation we've delivered has been a true team effort, driven by colleagues across the business who have embraced change and challenged us to continually improve. I'm incredibly proud of what we've accomplished together."

For Speedy Freight, this award also reflects the wider culture that continues to shape the company. The business is consistently invested in developing its people while embracing technology and innovation to improve the way it operates. Its People First, Tech Enabled philosophy has created an environment where talented teams can deliver meaningful change that benefits customers, franchisees and the wider organisation.

Being shortlisted across three award categories showcases the strength, maturity and culture of Speedy Freight's finance function, built over several years under the dedicated leadership of Group Financial Controller, Hannah Edghill. James Pugh has, as CFO, worked to build on those foundations, supporting the team in continuing to raise the bar, and further elevating the role that Finance plays at Speedy Freight.

Mike Smith, CEO at Speedy Freight, said: "Awards like these are never about one individual or one team. They are the result of talented people being empowered to challenge, improve and innovate every day.

“Winning the Finance Transformation and Change award demonstrates what can be achieved when you invest in people, embrace technology and build a culture focused on long-term excellence. I'm incredibly proud of everyone involved.

“This award also reinforces the direction we're taking through our Global Vision 2030 strategy. By continuing to invest in our people, embrace technology and build sustainable growth, we're creating a stronger business for the future and one that delivers lasting value for our customers, franchisees and colleagues alike."