NACFB Commercial Lender Awards 2024 judges revealed

The judging panel for the NACFB Commercial Lender Awards 2024 has now been revealed. Comprising an array of industry experts from across the commercial finance spectrum, the judges were chosen for their specialist knowledge. They now have the difficult task of evaluating all submissions to help determine the shortlist and ultimately, both the highly commended and the winners of each category.

The judging panel:

• Alejandro Gonzalez – Asset Finance Group Editor, Leasing Life & Motor Finance Online

• Aysha Fernandes – Director of Commercial Finance, UK Finance

• Bob Lefroy – Group Editor, Business Money

• David Raw – Managing Director of Commercial Finance, UK Finance

• Edward Horn-Smith – Managing Director, Arc & Co.

• Edward Peck – Founder, Asset Finance Connect

• Gary Cain – Head of Funding, Leonard Curtis

• Harry Madan – Head of Compliance & Governance, BVRLA

• Jess Bird – Managing Editor, The Intermediary

• Katrin Herrling – Founder & CEO, Funding Xchange

• Lee Tillcock – Managing Editor, Business Moneyfacts

• Marc Champ – Managing Director, Wharf Financial

• Martin McTague – National Chair, Federation of Small Businesses (FSB)

• Matthew Davies – Director of Commercial Finance, UK Finance

• Mike Geddes – Group Legal & Compliance Director, AFS

• Nicola Headlam – Independent Economic Adviser

• Paul Hunt - Managing Director, Square 1 Media

• Prof. Trevor Williams – Co-founder & Chair, FXGuard / Independent Economic Consultant

• Robin Skuse – Editor, Broker World

• Theo Hadjimichael – Chief Executive, Responsible Finance

• Vic Jannels – CEO, Bridging & Development Lenders Association (BDLA)

All 160+ NACFB lender Patrons and supplier Partners were invited to enter, choosing the award categories which resonated best with their business, products, services, teams and individuals. This year, more than 300 entries were received across 20 categories.

Commenting on the judging process, NACFB managing director, Norman Chambers, said: “When making their selections, the judges will assess the submissions based upon demonstrable evidence of the specific requirements of each category. From sector champions to supplier partners, the breadth of award categories recognises firms, teams and individuals.”

“Evaluating these awards is a difficult task and we are extremely grateful to all the judges for their time and dedication,” he added.

On Monday 14th October 2024 the full shortlist will be announced publicly whereupon NACFB Member brokers will be invited to cast votes for the Patrons and Partners of their choice in each category.

To ensure fairness, Member firms will be entitled to cast up to five votes in each category. Voting will remain open for one week, closing at 5pm on Monday 21st October 2024. The judging panel’s scores will then be combined with the Members’ votes to determine the winners and highly commended in each category.

Not open for direct submissions, all shortlisted lenders are automatically entered for the NACFB Commercial Finance Lender of the Year. Voted on by Member brokers and the NACFB team, the winning lender will have demonstrated how they have actively empowered SMEs with access to finance, delivered exceptional customer experiences, and demonstrated a deep commitment to the growth and prosperity of the sector. The recipient of this coveted trophy will undoubtedly stand at the very pinnacle of the industry and can bask in well-deserved recognition for their undeniable merit and outstanding achievements.

To celebrate, all winners will be revealed at a gala ceremony, which returns once again to the Westminster Park Plaza on Thursday 28th November 2024. Already more than 450 tickets have been sold for this black-tie event which typically, welcomes 750 industry professionals.

Early bird tickets for NACFB Patrons, Partners and Members are currently available priced at a discounted rate of £375+VAT each until 1st November, after which the price rises to £425+VAT. Tickets can be purchased individually and in tables of ten.

Tickets for non-NACFB Patrons, Partners and Members are available at £475 +VAT each, subject to availability. 

In addition to celebrating lending excellence, the award ceremony raises much needed funds for the NACFB’s charity partner, Air Ambulances UK.