Showcase your excellence

Celebrating NACFB Patron lenders that are driving business growth through asset finance, this award recognises those helping UK SMEs invest in the machinery, equipment, vehicles, technology, and other assets they need to succeed. Open to both specialist and full-service lenders, the category recognises providers delivering flexible funding solutions, whether through leasing, hire purchase, or other innovative finance options, that respond to the evolving needs of businesses. Judges will be looking for lenders that demonstrate a strong commitment to supporting both brokers and SMEs, providing tailored asset finance solutions that create lasting value and enable sustainable growth.

Recognising the teams at the heart of successful lender–broker partnerships, the BDM Team of the Year award celebrates NACFB Patron lenders whose business development teams consistently deliver exceptional support, commercial expertise, and relationship management. Open to lenders of all sizes, this category recognises teams that have strengthened broker relationships, contributed to lending growth, and adapted to the changing needs of the commercial finance market. Judges will be looking for teams that demonstrate a collaborative approach, deep market knowledge, and a commitment to delivering tailored funding solutions for brokers and their clients.

The Bridging Lender of the Year award recognises NACFB Patron lenders providing short-term finance for property acquisitions, refinances, refurbishments, development exits and other time-sensitive property transactions. The category is intended for lenders with a bridging proposition and demonstrable expertise in delivering property-backed facilities quickly and reliably. Entrants should show responsible underwriting, certainty of delivery, responsive broker support, flexibility across complex cases and a strong record of helping clients complete property transactions within demanding timescales. Lenders may also enter Short-Term Lender of the Year where appropriate.

The Business Bank of the Year award recognises NACFB Patron banks that demonstrate financial strength, market agility, and a sustained commitment to supporting UK SMEs. If your institution has worked closely with brokers, developed relevant and responsive lending solutions, and contributed to the real-world growth of businesses across the UK, this category provides an opportunity to showcase your impact and leadership in commercial finance. Please note, this award is open exclusively to registered bank lenders and is not open to non-bank lenders.

Business Loan Lender of the Year recognises lenders providing fixed-term business loans to UK SMEs, across both secured and unsecured markets. The category is intended for firms whose core proposition is the provision of capital through a defined loan amount, repayment schedule and term, supporting needs such as growth, investment, acquisition, stock purchase, tax liabilities or cash flow. It is not intended for specialist asset finance, invoice finance, property finance or revolving credit providers where those products are the primary proposition for their business customers.

The Buy-to-Let Lender of the Year award recognises NACFB Patron lenders that demonstrate specialist expertise, adaptability, and a strong commitment to supporting landlords and property investors. If your organisation delivers high-quality buy-to-let finance solutions, works in close partnership with brokers, and supports the growth of sustainable property portfolios, this category offers the opportunity to showcase your leadership in this market.

The Commercial Mortgage Lender of the Year award recognises NACFB Patron lenders that deliver dependable, flexible and responsible finance for the purchase, refinance and development of commercial property. Open to lenders supporting owner-occupiers and property investors, this category celebrates strong broker partnerships, commercial judgement and the ability to adapt products and service to changing market conditions. It offers organisations the opportunity to demonstrate their impact, expertise and leadership across the commercial mortgage market.

The Community Lender of the Year award recognises NACFB Patron lenders that put social impact, responsible lending and community investment at the heart of their work. Open to CDFIs and other purpose-led funders, this category celebrates organisations that expand access to finance for underserved SMEs, strengthen local economies and deliver meaningful, measurable outcomes for the communities they serve.

The Development Finance Lender of the Year award recognises NACFB Patron lenders that play a pivotal role in delivering new homes, commercial spaces, and mixed-use developments across the UK. As demand for housing and regeneration continues to grow, SME developers rely on finance partners who can provide flexibility, certainty, and specialist expertise. This category provides an opportunity to showcase your organisation’s impact in supporting ambitious development projects through strong broker collaboration and tailored funding solutions.

The Emerging Lender of the Year award recognises NACFB Patron lenders that have launched within the past five years and are already making a meaningful impact in the commercial finance market. If your organisation brings fresh thinking, delivers innovative solutions, and is building strong broker relationships alongside early commercial success, this category provides a platform to showcase your progress and growing influence.

The Industry Leader of the Year award recognises senior figures who have set new standards in commercial finance through strategic vision, decisive leadership, and a commitment to doing things the right way. If your CEO, managing director, or senior executive has driven innovation, built high-performing teams, and delivered meaningful outcomes for brokers, borrowers, and colleagues alike, this category provides an opportunity to celebrate their leadership and wider industry impact. NACFB Patrons and Partners may submit more than one entry if they wish to recognise multiple individuals.

The Industry Supplier of the Year award recognises NACFB Partner organisations that play a vital role in supporting the commercial finance ecosystem behind the scenes. From legal firms and insurers to platforms, valuers, and specialist service providers, these businesses help ensure deals progress smoothly and successfully. If your organisation has delivered measurable value, improved processes, and supported better outcomes for brokers and lenders, this category provides an opportunity to showcase your impact on the sector.

The Intermediary Advocate of the Year award recognises NACFB Patron lenders and Partner suppliers that have gone beyond operational excellence to actively champion the role of commercial finance brokers. If your organisation promotes the value of intermediary-led finance, collaborates closely with brokers to deliver tailored outcomes, and supports the NACFB’s mission to uphold high standards across the sector, this category provides an opportunity to showcase your advocacy and leadership within the broker-led commercial finance ecosystem.

The Invoice Finance Lender of the Year award recognises NACFB Patron lenders that help UK SMEs unlock working capital through invoice finance solutions, including factoring and invoice discounting. If your organisation delivers flexible funding, works closely with brokers, and enables businesses to improve cash flow and resilience, this category provides an opportunity to showcase your impact and leadership in this essential area of commercial finance.

The Marketing Team of the Year award recognises the creative teams behind the strategies, campaigns, and communications that shape the identity and growth of NACFB Patron lenders and Partner suppliers. Whether launching new products, strengthening brand positioning, or driving engagement with brokers and SMEs, this category celebrates in-house marketing, communications, and PR teams that deliver measurable impact and play a vital role in supporting intermediary-led finance. If your team has helped elevate your organisation’s visibility and voice within the market, this is your opportunity to be recognised.

The NACFB’s Pioneers of the Year award celebrates forward-looking organisations reshaping commercial finance through new models built with brokers, not around them. Open to NACFB Patron lenders and Partner suppliers, this category recognises innovation in technology, products and service design that strengthens broker relationships, improves access to finance and creates better outcomes for SMEs. Whether through a new platform, proposition or way of working, entries should show meaningful progress shaped by broker insight and delivered in genuine partnership with the intermediary community.

The Rising Star of the Year award recognises outstanding early-career professionals who are already making a meaningful impact in commercial finance. Open to individuals working within NACFB Patron lenders and Partner suppliers, this category celebrates emerging talent that demonstrates ambition, capability, and strong potential for future leadership. If you know someone who is driving positive change, building strong relationships, and showing exceptional promise, this award provides an opportunity to recognise their contribution and future impact on the industry. NACFB Patrons and Partners may submit more than one entry where appropriate.

The Service Excellence Award recognises NACFB Patron lenders and Partner suppliers that consistently deliver outstanding service to brokers, setting the benchmark for responsiveness, reliability, and trust. If your organisation places the broker experience at the centre of its operations streamlining processes, resolving issues efficiently, and building long-term partnerships this category provides an opportunity to showcase your commitment to excellence in intermediary-led finance.

The Short-Term Finance Lender of the Year award recognises NACFB Patron lenders providing short-duration finance to help businesses respond to immediate needs, urgent opportunities and time-sensitive commercial requirements. Eligibility is determined by the purpose and urgency of the funding rather than the form of security, allowing a broad range of short-term lenders to enter. Entrants should demonstrate responsible lending, clear decision-making, responsive broker support, flexibility and dependable delivery. Lenders offering bridging or other property-backed products may enter where their submission clearly reflects the wider short-term proposition.

The Specialist Lender of the Year award recognises NACFB Patron lenders that operate within clearly defined niches of the commercial finance market. If your organisation focuses on serving sectors or borrower needs that sit outside mainstream lending - such as aviation, marine, VAT funding, green assets, probate finance, or complex underwriting - this category provides an opportunity to showcase your expertise, tailored solutions, and impact in specialist markets.

The Sustainability Champion of the Year award recognises NACFB Patron lenders and Partner suppliers that demonstrate outstanding leadership in advancing sustainability across commercial finance. If your organisation champions green initiatives, embeds sustainable practices into its operations, and supports brokers in delivering finance solutions that drive positive environmental outcomes, this category provides an opportunity to be recognised as a catalyst for meaningful and lasting change.

The Underwriting Team of the Year award recognises the often-unseen professionals at the core of responsible lending. These teams apply balanced judgement, commercial insight, and close collaboration with brokers to ensure fair and informed outcomes for SMEs. Open to all NACFB Patron lenders, this category celebrates underwriting teams that consistently deliver excellence, efficient processes, and a strong understanding of the businesses behind every application.

The Unsung Hero of the Year award shines a spotlight on the individuals who keep organisations running smoothly behind the scenes. This category recognises those working across operations, compliance, client support, marketing, and other non-frontline roles whose dedication, consistency, and excellence make a meaningful difference every day. Open to NACFB Patron lenders and Partner suppliers, this award provides an opportunity to recognise individuals who go above and beyond without seeking recognition. NACFB Patrons and Partners may submit more than one entry where appropriate.

This award recognises an individual or organisation that has demonstrated a clear and sustained commitment to championing and advancing the role of women within the commercial finance industry. Open to NACFB Patron lenders and Partner suppliers, this category celebrates those who are actively driving meaningful change through advocacy, leadership, and practical action that improves representation and opportunity across the sector.

If your organisation or a nominated individual has helped create pathways for women in commercial finance, supported inclusive progression, or contributed to a more equitable industry, this award provides an opportunity to showcase that impact.