The winners of the NACFB Commercial Lender Awards 2024 were announced at a gala event held at the Westminster Park Plaza hotel on Thursday, 28th November.
Recognising excellence across the intermediary-led commercial finance industry, the awards attracted over 300 entries from 80 NACFB lender Patrons and supplier Partners. An independent panel of judges, selected for their industry expertise, undertook the challenging task of narrowing down a shortlist in each of the 20 categories. Winners and highly commended firms were determined through a combination of judges’ decisions and NACFB Member votes. The ultimate accolade, NACFB Commercial Finance Lender 2024, was awarded to Allica Bank.
The judging panel commended the high quality of submissions, highlighting notable growth and strong commitments to transparency across the industry. Specific firms were recognised for their focus on broker satisfaction, operational efficiency, clarity, and speed in decision-making. The judges also praised individuals for their collaborative leadership and strategic vision.
To uphold fairness and integrity, the NACFB implemented a robust awards process to ensure results accurately reflected the industry’s landscape.
Commenting on the results, NACFB CEO 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 SME clients. While not everyone can take home a trophy, your contributions are seen, valued, and vital to helping fund UK businesses.”
This year, the event featured celebrity hosts Kirsty Gallacher from Sky Sports News and Olympian Daley Thompson, who is also a NatWest ambassador. Comedian Emmanuel Sonubi provided entertaining MC duties for the evening. The awards were kindly supported by several sponsors:
- Headline Sponsor: Red Flag Alert
- Welcome Drinks: Method
- Wine Sponsor: TorFX
- Charity Prize Sponsor: VAS Valuation Group
- Cocktail Bar Sponsor: Purbeck
- After Party Sponsor: MFS
The evening offered guests an opportunity to enjoy an 80s-themed drinks reception, a three-course dinner, and lively entertainment, including a disco with the band Violet 54.
A surprise tribute video celebrated Norman Chambers, who is transitioning from his role as Managing Director to a position on the NACFB board as a Non-Executive Director in the New Year. Guests also participated in a fundraising activity for NACFB’s charity partner, Air Ambulances UK, with Kate Pullen of NatWest winning an Apple Watch Ultra 2 in a game of Heads & Tails. NACFB will donate £10,000 to the charity, with MFS generously pledging to match the funds raised by guests.
Norman Chambers said: “Our heartfelt thanks to Paresh and the entire team at MFS for their incredibly generous donation.”
Winners and highly commended firms
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