Showcase your excellence
Submissions are now closed.
But you can still view all of the categories below.
In just 300 words, firms were invited to make a case for winning that particular award. Entries closed at 5pm on Monday 16th September 2024 and we are no longer accepting entries for the awards. All submissions will now be carefully reviewed by an independent panel of industry experts to confirm the shortlist. Finalists will be announced in mid-October.
The winners will be revealed at a gala celebration which returns to the Westminster Park Plaza on Thursday 28th November 2024. Tickets on sale now.
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Asset Finance Provider of the Year
Recognising the lenders driving the growth and innovation of UK SMEs through tailored asset finance solutions, as they fuel the vital machinery, equipment, and intellectual property that power various industries. The distinguished Asset Finance Provider of the Year award showcases lenders’ unwavering commitment to supporting and nurturing British businesses through financing of both hard and soft assets.
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BDM Team of the Year
The BDM Team of the Year award celebrates the business development teams that fuel lending success through expertise, insight, and dynamic partnerships. If your team has demonstrated exceptional collaboration with brokers, contributed to impressive growth, and excelled in delivering innovative financing solutions, this award offers the perfect platform to showcase your leadership and impact in the competitive world of commercial lending.
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Business Bank of the Year
The Business Bank of the Year award celebrates banks that have demonstrated financial excellence in supporting and empowering SMEs. If your bank has forged strong partnerships with brokers, provided workable solutions to boost SME prosperity, and actively contributed to the growth of the business community, this award offers the perfect platform to showcase your leadership and impact in the competitive world of commercial lending.
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Buy-to-Let Lender of the Year
The Buy-to-Let Lender of the Year award honours those lending organisations that have elevated the buy-to-let landscape through their astute guidance, commitment to fostering growth, and ability to navigate the sector's intricacies with finesse. If your organisation has a proven track record of empowering landlords and making a significant impact on the rental sector, this award offers the perfect opportunity to showcase your expertise and leadership in the field.
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Challenger Bank of the Year
The Challenger Bank of the Year award celebrates banks that have disrupted the status quo and empowered SMEs with innovative financial solutions. If your bank has embraced technology while maintaining a human-centric approach, deepened intermediary relationships, and consistently evolved to meet the changing needs of small businesses, this award offers the perfect platform to showcase your leadership and impact in the competitive world of commercial lending.
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Commercial Mortgage Lender of the Year
The Commercial Mortgage Lender of the Year award celebrates those lenders that have risen to the challenges of a dynamic property market with resilience, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to borrowers and broker partners alike. If your organisation has demonstrated a genuine understanding of borrowers' needs, nurtured successful partnerships with brokers, and exhibited excellence in commercial property financing, this award is your opportunity to shine and be recognised as a beacon of leadership and reliability in the industry.
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Community Lender of the Year
The Community Lender of the Year award celebrates lenders that have embraced ethical, socially responsible lending as a force for positive change. If you are a lender that has demonstrated a deep commitment to sustainable practices, social impact, and empowering SMEs to thrive, this award offers the perfect platform to showcase your leadership and impact in the competitive world of commercial lending, contributing to a better future for both businesses and society at large.
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Development Finance Lender of the Year
The Development Finance Lender of the Year award celebrates the financial pioneers who have played a pivotal role in turning dreams into reality in the property development realm. If you are a lender that has showcased astute financial acumen, adeptly guided clients through challenges, and made a substantial impact on the development landscape, this award provides the perfect platform to showcase your commitment to pioneering success in building dreams.
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Factoring & Invoice Discounter of the Year
The Factoring & Invoice Discounter of the Year award celebrates the financial pioneers who empower SMEs by liberating their cash flow and facilitating growth through factoring and invoice financing solutions. If your lending organisation has a proven track record of fostering strong broker relationships and making a tangible difference in the financial resilience of SMEs, this award offers a unique opportunity to showcase your leadership and commitment to empowering businesses in their journey towards success.
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Industry Supplier of the Year
The Industry Supplier of the Year award celebrates the unsung heroes of commercial finance, the industry suppliers whose innovative solutions and unwavering dedication have elevated the lending landscape to new heights. If your company has demonstrated exceptional value addition, streamlined processes, and enriched broker and lender experiences, this award offers the perfect platform to showcase your leadership and impact in the competitive world of commercial finance. Illuminate your contribution, and be recognised as a pioneer of value, shaping the future of commercial finance with visionary solutions and unmatched dedication.
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Innovation of the Year
The revised Innovation of the Year award expands beyond a purely technological focus to include commercial product innovation. This category allows both lenders and suppliers to showcase their ability to adapt existing offerings based on broker feedback and create new solutions. While the previous technological innovation award centred on lender platforms and supplier offerings, this new category balances technical advances with the relationship-driven nature of the industry. This approach ensures a broader range of innovations are recognised, enhancing the award's relevance and appeal.
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Leadership Award
The NACFB Leadership Award celebrates leaders who embody the essence of inspirational and transformative leadership, steering lending institutions to the pinnacle of excellence. If your leader has demonstrated unparalleled vision, strategic direction, and a commitment to fostering a positive company culture, this award offers the perfect platform to showcase their exceptional impact in the competitive world of commercial lending. Honour your visionary pioneer, driving innovation, and elevating the industry towards a brighter and more prosperous future.
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Marketing Team of the Year
New for 2024, the Marketing Team of the Year award recognises the vital contributions of in-house marketing, communications, and PR teams within NACFB Patron lender and supplier Partners. This award seeks to highlight the innovative strategies and impactful campaigns that drive business growth and industry success. Celebrating creativity, collaboration, and excellence, the award honours teams whose efforts have significantly enhanced brand visibility, engagement, and customer relationships, showcasing their indispensable role in the lending process.
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New Lender of the Year
Another new category for 2024, the New Lender of the Year award seeks to celebrate emerging lenders in all areas of commercial finance that have been operating for less than five years. The award aims to encourage and reward newcomers who demonstrate innovation, agility, and exceptional service in the market. The award highlights their contributions to the industry and provides a platform for them to showcase both their potential and success, encouraging collaboration despite being new on the scene.
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Rising Star of the Year
The Rising Star of the Year award celebrates the rising stars who breathe life into commercial finance, embracing the human aspect of the industry with passion, dedication, and innovation. If you know a young professional under 30 who has made waves in the industry and holds great promise as a future leader, this award offers the perfect opportunity to recognise and celebrate both their exceptional contributions and potential.
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Service Excellence Award
The Service Excellence Award celebrates lending institutions and suppliers that have redefined customer service, prioritising the broker journey and delivering an exceptional experience that fosters trust, loyalty, and growth. If you can demonstrate an unwavering commitment to elevating customer experience, streamlining processes, and nurturing strong broker relationships, this award offers the perfect platform to showcase your leadership and impact in the competitive world of commercial lending, earning the well-deserved recognition of brokers and clients alike.
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Short-term Lender of the Year
The Short-term Lender of the Year award recognises lenders that empower brokers and borrowers with speed, substance, and flexibility in the property finance landscape. If you are a lender that has showcased market expertise, seamless collaboration with brokers, and a commitment to delivering innovative and responsible financing solutions, this award offers the perfect platform to showcase your leadership and excellence in the dynamic world of short-term lending.
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Specialist Lender of the Year
The Specialist Lender of the Year award celebrates lenders that have mastered the art of niche financing, empowering businesses with excellence, innovation, and tailored solutions. If you are a lender that has demonstrated unrivalled expertise in niche industries, forged strong broker relationships, and contributed to the growth and success of businesses within your specialised domain, this award offers the perfect platform to showcase your leadership and impact in the competitive world of commercial lending.
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Underwriting Team of the Year
The Underwriting Team of the Year award celebrates the unsung heroes of commercial finance, whose meticulous risk assessment and understanding of businesses drive responsible lending and economic empowerment. If your team has demonstrated unparalleled expertise in underwriting, streamlined processes, and effective communication, this award offers the perfect platform to showcase your leadership and impact in the competitive world of commercial lending, supporting businesses and brokers on their journey to success.
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Unsecured Funder of the Year
The Unsecured Funder of the Year award celebrates lenders that have championed agility, transparency, and innovation in the realm of unsecured funding. If you are a lender that has demonstrated a commitment to empowering businesses through competitive and accessible financing solutions, this award offers the perfect platform to showcase your leadership and excellence in unsecured lending, making a significant impact on businesses and the wider economy.
Commercial Finance Lender of the Year
This award celebrates lenders that have truly become beacons of unwavering support for SMEs, illuminating their path to prosperity through innovative financial solutions. This prestigious accolade, not open for direct submissions, is voted on by Member brokers and the NACFB team, who meticulously consider all shortlisted lenders. If your lending organisation has actively empowered SMEs with access to finance, delivered exceptional customer experiences, and demonstrated a deep commitment to their growth and prosperity, these exceptional contributions could be honoured through this highly regarded award. 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.
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Entry to the Commercial Lender Awards 2024 is open only to NACFB lender Patrons, supplier Partners, and personnel therein. NACFB Member brokers are not eligible to enter any award category.
Eligible entrants may submit entries into as many award categories as they deem relevant.
Multiple entries into the same category are permitted where relevant.
Entries must be made using the online submission form. Separate, unique submissions must be made for each entry.
Entries must relate to activities, (i.e. business, personnel, products, services, events, campaigns or initiatives) which have taken place since September 2023.
Entries must by submitted by 5pm on Monday 16th September 2024. Any entries received after this date may not be accepted.
All entries will be reviewed by members of the judging panel who will determine the shortlist in each category. The judging panel is made up of individual experts from recognised industry stakeholders and includes a representative from the NACFB Board.
All entry information provided to judges will be used solely for the purposes of assessing the entries. Any potentially sensitive information will not be made public.
The NACFB and judging panel reserve the right, without prior consent of the entrant, to move entries into different categories if they feel it is more appropriate.
Shortlisted entrants will be notified under embargo by email on Friday 11th October 2024 and the full shortlist will be published on the NACFB Commercial Lender Awards website on Monday 14th October 2024.
On Monday 14th October 2024 eligible NACFB Member brokers will be invited to vote for their preferred Patrons/Partner in all relevant categories. Voting will close at 5pm on Monday 21st October. The NACFB reserves the right to extend the voting period.
In all categories the winners and highly commended will be determined based on the selections of the judging panel combined with the votes of NACFB Member brokers.
The winners will be announced at the NACFB’s Commercial Lender Awards 2024 ceremony on Thursday 28th November 2024 at the Westminster Park Plaza hotel, London.
All decisions made by the judging panel and by the NACFB relating to shortlisting, Member voting, presentations and the granting of awards are final. No correspondence will be entered into, and no reasons given for decisions.
Winners may state in advertising and promotional material that they have won, but they must state the year in which the award was won.