The NACFB Patron Awards is always hotly contested, and this year was, perhaps more competitive than ever before, as 63 firms vied for a coveted title from across a multitude of categories.
The process began back in the summer when all NACFB Patrons were invited to submit their entries. Thereafter the judging panel set about the unenviable task of determining which firms would make the shortlist. Despite having clear criteria against which to measure the submissions, there was much heated debate and often, barely a hare’s breath whispered between entries.
However, after long deliberation and some lively discussions, a shortlist was agreed and duly put out to the membership for voting. The results were then tallied and kept top-secret until yesterday (Thursday 25th November) when all was revealed at the annual NACFB Gala Dinner.
Commenting on the awards, Norman Chambers, managing director of the NACFB said:
“With many Patrons entering several categories and so many Members taking the time to vote, I was genuinely touched by the overwhelming response to the awards. It is clear that they are a highlight of the commercial finance calendar for both lenders and brokers.”
Not voted for by the Members, but no less an important award, the judging panel chose Andy Bishop, formerly of Lloyds Bank, as the individual who made the most significant contribution to the commercial finance community in 2021. Our warmest congratulations to him and best wishes for the future.
In fact, our congratulations go not just the winners and those who were highly commended but to all the firms who took the time to enter, and to the Members for casting their votes. NACFB community, we salute you.
Here is the list of winners and those who were highly commended:
Asset Finance Provider of the Year
Winner: Close Brothers
Highly commended: Aldermore Bank
Sponsor: PMD Business Finance
BDM Team of the Year
Winner: Allica Bank
Highly commended: Cambridge & Counties Bank
Sponsor: Red Flag Alert
Business Bank of the Year
Winner: NatWest
Highly commended: Allica Bank
Buy to Let Lender of the Year
Winner: Shawbrook Bank
Highly commended: Keystone Property Finance & Paragon Bank
Covid Response Award
Winner: Funding Circle
Highly commended: United Trust Bank
Commercial Mortgage Lender of the Year
Winner: Allica Bank
Highly commended: Cambridge & Counties
Development Lender of the Year
Winner: Shawbrook Bank
Highly commended: Aldermore Bank
Sponsor: Stonehouse Capital
Factoring & Invoice Discounter of the Year
Winner: Bibby Financial Services
Highly commended: Ultimate Finance
Sponsor: Goodman Corporate Finance
Most Innovative Lender of the Year
Winner: Allica Bank
Highly commended: Funding Circle
Rising Star of the Year
Winner: Kara Williams – Together
Highly commended: Naomi Campion – Bibby Financial Services
Sponsor: NACFB
Short Term Lender of the Year
Winner: Together
Highly commended: United Trust Bank
Socially Responsible Lender of the Year
Winner: Unity Trust Bank
Highly commended: CAF Bank
Industry Supplier of the Year
Winner: Red Flag Alert
Highly commended: Purbeck Personal Guarantee Insurance
Specialist Lender of the Year
Winner: Shawbrook Bank
Highly commended: White Oak
Sponsor: Mantra Capital
Unsecured Funder of the Year
Winner: Funding Circle
Highly commended: iwoca
Sponsor: Asset Finance Solutions
Patron of the Year
Winner: Allica Bank
Sponsor: Watts Commercial Finance
Significant Contribution
Andy Bishop
Sponsor: NACFB