Sandy Begbie – CEO of SFE

The awards, sponsored by EY, will take place in Edinburgh in October and are a flagship industry-wide celebration to recognise the contribution both firms and their people have made to the Scottish financial services sector and to wider society.

The partnership with Maggie’s aims to raise funds to support to those living with a cancer diagnosis through its network of support centres across the country.

Maggie’s benefits advisers provide expert help and advice with applying for financial support, and in 2024 helped visitors claim £15.6 million in benefits and grants in Scotland.

Maggie’s also provides free emotional and practical support for anyone affected by a diagnosis of cancer including friends and family, with purpose built, beautifully designed centres beside major NHS cancer hospitals providing a safe, welcoming space away from the clinical environment of the hospital.

Sue Dawe, head of Financial Services, Scotland, EY, said: “The Scottish Financial Services Awards is an annual reminder of the impact of our industry on wider society.

“Scotland’s FS sector is a place people can build meaningful careers and drive impact for social good. Supporting causes which provide important resources for our communities, such as Maggie’s, is one of the many ways that our sector positively contributes to society.”

Sandy Begbie CBE, CEO of SFE, said: “Our annual awards are an opportunity for us to come together as a sector to highlight the good work of our people and recognise our positive impact on wider society.

“Driving financial inclusion is a key pillar of our strategy and with one in two people facing a cancer diagnosis during their lifetime, we are delighted to support Maggie’s as they provide practical and emotional support to those affected by cancer.

“The SFE team will be looking at ways to raise funds from now until the night of the awards and we look forward to visiting our local Maggie’s centre to see the impact that our contribution will have.”

Samantha Lea, centre fundraising manager at Maggie’s Edinburgh, said: “We are delighted to have been chosen as Scottish Financial Enterprise’s annual charity partner.

“The partnership will allow us to reach as many people as possible living with cancer providing a range of practical and psychological support, including help with money worries.

“We know money can cause a huge amount of anxiety for people after a diagnosis but our benefits advisors can make sure people get everything they are entitled to and leave them freer to focus on their treatment.

“We are so grateful.”

The awards, set for the 23 October, will be hosted by comedian and impressionist Rory Bremner. Tickets and entries for the awards are now on sale. More information can be found at https://www.sfe.org.uk/awards