Business Analyst of the Year 2022

A highly qualified BA with over 10 years’ experience, Helen has delivered outcomes against programmes and projects of varying size and complexity. Her goal is to drive outcomes that align with both strategic objectives and customer needs. To achieve this, she works with stakeholders at all levels to identify and analyse problems and opportunities. Now a BA function lead, Helen has built a BA capability from the ground up, designing and implementing frameworks and standards to support the consistent delivery of high-quality outputs.

Judges' comments: “Helen has impressive tenacity and authenticity in her work. She is committed to continually developing her skills and extending her professional networks across the Civil Service, and beyond.”

Hannah is a business analyst at Royal London. She has worked on strategic projects and has a track record of building high performing teams that are a mix of internal and external SMEs, management consultants and engineers. Her business analysis work has included delivering high quality requirements, shaping company standards and work practices, and ensuring organisational readiness. She is keen to inspire and influence her colleagues and stakeholders. Hannah enjoys crafting and puzzles, and believes the mindset and skills required by these hobbies are highly relevant to her professional work.

Judges' comments: “Good, strong business analysis is the basis of Hannah's success in addressing challenges in her projects, complemented by intelligent stakeholder engagement.”

Andrew joined Transport for London in 1995 and worked in Bus Operations before taking over technical operations of the London Buses Command and Control Centre. After successfully delivering a number of high-profile technical projects, he made the career move from operations to business analysis in 2017. Andrew has worked on major programs including Road User Charging and the Taxi and Private Hire re-let schemes. He is now the Lead BA on a complex technology project for bus systems.

Judges' comments: “Andy has an insightful and innovative approach to evaluating project benefits, then demonstrating their worth to the organisation. He is committed to improving professional standards and mentoring less experienced BAs in his community.”

Angus has thrived in his role having been involved in discovering and delivering digital agile projects at Aviva. He now leads a program of work as a Principal BA, supporting both project and feature teams. Angus is passionate about learning and development, and hopes to complete the BCS Advanced Diploma in Business Analysis this year, while continuing to train and support the development of those new to the BA role.

Judges' comments: “Angus has many strings to his bow. He freely contributes his knowledge and skills within his organisation, and outside, to improve BA standards and outcomes.”

A senior consultant for Capco, Fae has worked across various sectors, including legal services, energy, IT/digital and consulting for financial services. She has over 15 years of experience as a BA and portfolio analyst both in the UK and her home country of Venezuela. Fae focuses on defining, validating and visualising business requirements, enabling dashboard development, testing and delivery, and ensuring that solutions drive strategic decision making and align with business imperatives. She has an ability to bring structure, organisation and consistency to anything she tackles.

Judges comments': “Fae uses her BA superpowers to co-create value, both for her stakeholders and the wider BA community. She is growing as an IIBA mentor for the profession in Scotland.”

Nicola has worked at Yorkshire Water for three years after joining as a BA apprentice. She has developed her business analysis expertise and expanded her career while working mostly in an agile environment. In her most recent role she has focussed on networking and collaboration, working closely with colleagues and the apprenticeship community. Her goal is to improve the visibility of the BA role, especially to those new to the world of change.

Judges' comments: “Nicola is creative, persuasive and diligent in her BA work, which enables her to overcome significant obstacles and raise morale in the team. She is not afraid to push herself out of her comfort zone to develop in her role.”

A Lead BA in the Bank of England and a committed and delivery-focussed team player, Neal has considerable experience in designing, planning and delivering effective change. He takes a collaborative approach, working to build trust and credibility with stakeholders while taking ownership of complex problems. Placing a high value on critical-thinking and project planning skills, Neal's goal is to optimise the use of technology to achieve organisational objectives. His passion is to turn vision into achievement.

Judges' comments: “Neal's thoughtful, considered and meticulous approach to business analysis enabled his highly complex project to succeed, where others had failed. His passion for developing Young BAs is inspiring.”

James joined the HR department within Allianz in April 2018, where he was involved in various HR projects as a Subject Matter Expert. He moved to a Foundation BA role within the BA Practice in September 2019, immediately joining the BA Apprenticeship Scheme. James achieved his BCS International Diploma in Business Analysis in August 2021, completing his apprenticeship in February 2022. He has recently been promoted to the role of Business Analyst and is working on a global change initiative within Allianz.

Judges' comments: “A skilled BA, setting professional standards for others to follow. James is also a natural ambassador for the industry, leading a number of outreach activities.”

John is the global lead of the business analysis community and head of BA training at Capco, and is in charge of Capco UK's BA and Process Excellence. A specialist in leading business analysis, functional architecture and SDLC best practice he champions agile and business analysis methodologies. John has over 20 years' experience in financial services and a proven ability to bridge technology and business goals to provide solutions.

Judges' comments: “John uses his extensive network to improve the outcomes of complex global projects. As Global Lead, he has a clear passion for  training, developing and nurturing the next generation of BAs”.