NACFB Commercial Lender Awards 2024 winners revealed
The winners of the NACFB Commercial Lender Awards 2024 have been revealed at a gala celebration held at the Westminster Park Plaza hotel on Thursday 28th November.
Recognising lending excellence across the intermediary-led commercial finance industry, this year, more than 300 entries were received from 80 NACFB lender Patrons and supplier Partners all competing for top honours. An independent panel of judges, chosen for their specialist industry knowledge, had the very difficult task of whittling down a shortlist in each of the 20 categories. The winning and highly commended firms were determined through a combination of judges’ selections and NACFB Member votes. All shortlisted firms were considered for the ultimate accolade – NACFB Commercial Finance Lender 2024 – which this year was won by Allica Bank.
The judging panel praised the high quality of submissions, noting that many NACFB lender Patrons and supplier Partners demonstrated “remarkable growth” and a “strong commitment to transparency”. One firm was highlighted for its “focus on broker satisfaction and efficiency”, while another was commended for its “commitment to clarity and speed in decision-making”. The judges also highlighted the achievements of individuals, applauding collaborative leadership styles and strategic visions.
To maintain transparency and integrity in the awards process and address any concerns about fairness, the NACFB has developed a rigorous procedure to ensure accurate results that truly reflect the industry's landscape.
Commenting on the results, chief executive officer, Jim Higginbotham, said: “In addition to recognising lending excellence, these highly prized accolades enable NACFB Members to thank the Association’s Patrons and Partners for their ongoing commitment to supporting brokers and their SME clients and whilst not everyone can take home a trophy, please know that your contributions are seen, valued, and vital to helping fund UK businesses.”
This year, the ceremony boasted two celebrity hosts: Sky Sports News' Kirsty Gallacher and Olympian and NatWest ambassador Daley Thompson. MC duties for the evening were deftly provided by comedian Emmanuel Sonubi. Kindly sponsored by NACFB Partners, Red Flag Alert (headline sponsor), with support from Method (welcome drinks), TorFX (wine), VAS Valuation Group (charity prize), Purbeck (cocktail bar), and MFS (after party), the Commercial Lender Awards provides an opportunity for attendees to dress up, catch up, have fun and dance until the small hours.
In addition to the award presentations, the black-tie event included an 80s themed drinks reception, a delicious three-course dinner, and after-party entertainment including a disco with live band Violet 54.
Norman Chambers was treated to a surprise, heartwarming send-off video from the Association’s staff. Managing director for the past 11 years, Norman is transitioning to a new position on the NACFB board as a non-executive director in the New Year.
Raising funds for the NACFB’s charity partner, Air Ambulances UK, guests participated in a game of Heads & Tails. The winner, Kate Pullen from NatWest, won an Apple Watch Ultra 2 (congratulations Kate!). The total funds raised are still being counted and the Association will also be donating £10,000. NACFB Patron MFS surprised the room announcing it would match the funds raised by guests on the night.
Commenting, Norman said: “Our heartfelt thanks to Paresh and the entire team at MFS for their incredibly generous donation.”
The winners and highly commended in each category are:
Commercial Finance Lender of the Year
Winner: Allica Bank
Asset Finance Provider of the Year
Winner: Shawbrook Bank
Highly commended: Allica Bank
BDM Team of the Year
Winner: Hampshire Trust Bank
Highly commended: United Trust Bank
Business Bank of the Year
Winner: Allica Bank
Highly commended: NatWest
Buy-to-Let Lender of the Year
Winner: Shawbrook Bank
Highly commended: Landbay
Challenger Bank of the Year
Winner: Allica Bank
Highly commended: Atom bank
Commercial Mortgage Lender of the Year
Winner: YBS Commercial Mortgages
Highly commended: Atom bank
Community Lender of the Year
Winner: Reliance Bank
Highly commended: Triodos Bank
Development Finance Lender of the Year
Winner: Shawbrook Bank
Highly commended: Hampshire Trust Bank
Factoring & Invoice Discounter of the Year
Winner: Bibby Financial Services
Highly commended: Ultimate Finance
Industry Supplier of the Year
Winner: Brickflow
Highly commended: Doc2
Innovation of the Year
Winner: Shawbrook Bank
Highly commended: TRIVER
Leadership Award
Winner: Jayne Follows, Cambridge & Counties Bank
Highly commended: Duncan Kreeger, TAB HQ
Marketing Team of the Year
Winner: Allica Bank
Highly commended: Together
New Lender of the Year
Winner: TRIVER
Highly commended: MaxCap
Rising Star of the Year
Winner: Edward Rixon, Shawbrook Bank
Highly commended: Tom Worbey, Redwood Bank
Service Excellence Award
Winner: NatWest
Highly commended: Funding Circle
Short-term Lender of the Year
Winner: Roma Finance
Highly commended: Glenhawk
Specialist Lender of the Year
Winner: FOLK2FOLK
Highly commended: Together
Underwriting Team of the Year
Winner: Together
Highly commended: iwoca
Unsecured Funder of the Year
Winner: Funding Circle
Highly commended: Shawbrook Bank