Pictured above: Michaela Daly of corporate recovery specialists Begbies Traynor receives her award from Gordon Banks

Michaela Daly, senior manager with the Stoke office of corporate recovery specialists Begbies Traynor, has been named Employee of the Year in the "Recognising Our Finest" Awards organised by Finest North Staffordshire.

She was presented with her prize by 1966 World Cup winning former England goalkeeper Gordon Banks at a star-studded celebration attended by around 200 top business executives held at the Britannia Stadium.

"It is a great honour and I am absolutely thrilled," she said.

"To be voted for by my peers and to collect the award in front of so many eminent professionals - bankers, solicitors, accountants, agents and many more - made it particularly special."

Bob Young, partner in the Stoke office, praised her commitment.

He said: "To be recognised across the North Staffordshire professional community in this way is a huge achievement and I congratulate her. 

"She was up against some very strong competition so it was great credit to her for all her hard work and self-development, and in the process significantly enhancing the reputation of the firm."

Ms Daly, who is from Stoke, has been with Begbies Traynor for five years,  and a total of 12 years in the industry.  It is the second year the prestigious black tie event has been held, showcasing the best that North Staffordshire business and professional services has to offer.

Finest is the region's leading professional services network representing around 130 businesses ranging from multi-nationals and household names to niche providers.

Promoting collaboration between members and acting as a first point of reference for any organisation needing access to professional expertise, it operates as a trade section of the North Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce.

For more information about Begbies Traynor, please visit their website here: www.begbies-traynorgroup.com