NACFB Commercial Lender Awards 2023

There are 19 award categories to choose from, including 6 brand new innovative awards.

Entry is free, so select and download submission forms for as many relevant categories as you wish.

extended ENTRY DEADLINE: friday 15th september 2023

  • 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.

    Download entry form.

  • 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.

    Download entry form.

  • 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.

    Download entry form.

  • 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.

    Download entry form.

  • 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.

    Download entry form.

  • 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.

    Download entry form.

  • 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.

    Download entry form.

  • 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.

    Download entry form.

  • New for 2023, 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.

    Download entry form.

  • 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.

    Download entry form.

  • 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.

    Download entry form.

  • 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.

    Download entry form.

  • 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.

    Download entry form.

  • New for 2023, 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.

    Download entry form.

  • The Deal of the Year award celebrates deals that epitomise the pinnacle of collaboration, innovation, and impact in the commercial finance arena. If you have brokered or facilitated deals that exemplify creativity, client-centricity, and transformative outcomes, this award offers the perfect platform to showcase your leadership and impact in the competitive world of commercial lending, leaving an indelible mark on the businesses and industries you serve.

    Download entry form.

  • New for 2023, the Service Excellence Award celebrates lending intuitions 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.

    Download entry form.

  • The Technological Innovation of the Year Award celebrates organisations that have embraced technology as a driving force for progress, delivering cutting-edge solutions that elevate the industry and redefine customer experiences. If you can demonstrate groundbreaking technological innovations that have had a positive impact on clients, brokers, staff, and internal systems, this award offers the perfect platform to showcase your leadership and impact in the competitive world of commercial lending.

    Download entry form.

  • New for 2023, 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.

    Download entry form.

  • Returning for 2023, 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.

    Download entry form.

  • (All submissions for this year's Commercial Lender Awards will be automatically considered for the Commercial Finance Lender of the Year category. This award cannot be directly applied for and will be granted by the judges based on merit.)

    The esteemed Commercial Finance Lender of the Year award celebrates lenders who 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 handpicked by a distinguished panel of judges, meticulously considering all entries across all categories. 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.

Entry criteria

  • Entry to the Commercial Lender Awards is only open to NACFB lender Patrons, supplier Partners, and any personnel therein.

  • Winners are selected based on the combined insight and votes of an expert panel of judges and NACFB Members. The judging panel is made up of representatives from recognised industry stakeholders and includes an NACFB representative. NACFB Members will be invited to vote on the shortlist to select final winners. Winners for each category will be awarded based on a combined view of both the submission and Member voting.

  • Entries can be for any event, campaign or initiative which has taken place between September 2022 and present.

  • The deadline for all entries is 17.00 on Friday 15th September 2023.

  • Shortlisted entrants will be notified by email week of the 16th of October.

  • The winners will be announced at the NACFB’s Commercial Lender Awards ceremony on Thursday 30th November 2023 at the Westminster Park Plaza, London.

  • An activity may be entered in more than one category, but each entry must be accompanied by an entry form. There is no limit to the number of entries one organisation can make.

  • Judges reserve the right, without prior consent of the entrant, to move entries to different categories if they feel it is more appropriate.

  • The judges’ and Members’ decision are final, no correspondence will be entered into, and no reasons given for decisions.

  • All information provided to judges will be used solely for the purposes of assessing the entries. Any potentially sensitive information will not be made public.

  • Winners may state in advertising and promotional material that they have won, but they must state the year the award was won.