Marketing professional Abby Corfan has been crowned Birmingham Young Professional of the Year 2016 at the 16th annual event.

Last night saw over 800 of Greater Birmingham's professionals attend BPS Birmingham Future's flagship awards which recognise and reward top talent in the business and professional services sector.

This year's overall winner is director of marketing and digital at the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.

With over a decade of experience promoting the city's cultural offering, Ms Corfan picked up the marketing and communications award before being crowned overall BYPY16 winner.

Post People: Can you see yourself at last night's awards?

Ahmed Farooq, chairman of BPS Birmingham and a member of the BYPY16 judging panel, said: "Abby demonstrated to the panel what it takes to be a director.

"She is knowledgeable about her product and passionate about reaching and attracting audiences - skills which are clearly core to being a successful marketer.

"She understands the power of establishing a collective voice - something critical to the cultural and professional sectors but also to the future of Greater Birmingham at large.

"Soon after becoming director of marketing and digital at the CBSO, Abby scored a major hit with a front page splash in a national newspaper announcing the orchestra's eagerly anticipated new music director. Now, it's time for her to make some headlines."

Abby Corfan has been named BYPY 2016
Abby Corfan has been named BYPY 2016

Rebecca Simkiss, chairman of BPS Birmingham Future, added: "This has, by far, been one of the most competitive years.

"We have seen such fantastic talent and our decision on judging day was extremely difficult. A huge well done to Abby.

"BYPY is our flagship event, part of a programme of activities which aim to develop talent and ensure young professionals can help shape the future of our sector and Greater Birmingham.

"Initiatives like the Future Mentoring Academy which launched last October, our new Professional Services Week taking place next month as well as a brand new Leadership Development Programme connect senior leaders, young professionals and students to provide real opportunities for personal and professional development.

"Everyone at Birmingham Future is looking forward to working with Abby on our programme over the coming year and making a real difference to the city."

The five other category winners from last night's ceremony at the ICC are below and click on the links to see who else was shortlisted:

Finance

Ben Collins, assistant director, EY

Legal

Russ Hill, partner, Squire Patton Boggs

HR, Recruitment and Training

Ruqia Sharif, human resources, HS2

Property and Construction

Mike Lally, associate director, Buro Four

Technology

Mike Brooman, chief executive, Vanti

In addition, Mary Agbesanwa from the University of Birmingham picked up the 2016 Aspiring Talent award, which acknowledges the rising stars of the business and professional services sector aged 16 to 24.

Mike Ward, chief executive of listed law firm Gateley, was also recognised as the 2016 Inspiring Leader for his dedication to the region's BPS sector.

As part of her prize, Ms Corfan secured a place on the Common Purpose Navigator course, designed for emerging leaders.

The sponsors of BYPY16 are Santander UK, Gateley, Squire Patton Boggs, SCC, the Mailbox, Malmaison Birmingham, SimkissGuy Recruitment, Hotel La Tour and the Greater Birmingham Professional Services Academy.

The event was hosted by TV personality and broadcaster Jake Humphrey alongside BPS Birmingham chairman Ahmed Farooq.

In partnership with BYPY