FSL Aerospace’s managing director, Carly Prickett, has narrowly missed out on being crowned UK Private Business Woman of the Year.

She was one of just seven nominees shortlisted from 1,100 candidates to make it through to the national final of the black-tie awards ceremony held in London.

Prickett joined FSL, a leading supplier of aerospace fasteners, as client services manager in 2008. She worked as purchasing and administration manager and then took over responsibility for HR. She took over as managing director in 2015 after Tim Halliday, the founder of the business, retired.

Tim Halliday, FSL’s chairman, said: “I am so proud of Carly. It’s no mean feat to be shortlisted from a field of 1,100 candidates. The judges clearly saw the same strength and passion that I did when I appointed her as MD three years ago. She worked her way up through the business and had the respect and buy-in from staff and clients. Traditionally our sector can be quite male dominated, so Carly is a great role model for any woman out there considering a career in the industry.”

Prickett added: “It was fantastic to attend the awards ceremony and I have to give a massive thanks to the team at FSL for making it possible. I might be at the helm but each and every member of staff contributes to FSL’s success. Our staff are our number one asset and we are like a family. It’s their excellent client service that has helped us make FSL the company it is today. Indeed, clients regularly compliment us on our happy and cooperative staff who want to deliver time and time again.”

www.fslaerospace.co.uk