Edward Rixon recognised as AFC’s Rising Star of 2024

Edward Rixon, Senior Manager of Digital SME Growth at Shawbrook, has been honoured with the Asset Finance Connect (AFC) Rising Star of 2024 award, presented at last week’s AFC Summer Awards.

This accolade celebrates emerging industry talent, acknowledging Edward’s pivotal role in transforming Shawbrook’s digital SME offering and spearheading two key initiatives that have significantly enhanced their digital SME proposition.

Edward expressed his gratitude, saying, “Winning the Rising Star Award feels like a big personal achievement. It’s a recognition and validation of all the hard work over the past few years. The award is also a source of motivation to continue pushing the boundaries of what I can achieve in the industry.”

Joining Shawbrook in February 2023, Edward quickly made a name for himself as a “transformative force” in the digital SME sector. Despite having no prior asset finance experience, he leveraged his product management skills and dedication to customer experience to bring substantial benefits to Shawbrook’s broker partners and their clients.

Edward led two major initiatives – Agreement in Principle (AIP) Service and CapEx Term Loan Product – resulting in a 100% year-over-year increase in origination numbers from March 2023 to March 2024, achieving record performance months for Shawbrook.

Edward embodies Shawbrook’s approach of combining technology with human expertise, significantly contributing to the company’s mission.

Stuart Doignie, MD for Digital SME Lending commented that:  “Ed has been integral in the improvements made to our proposition over the past 12 months. He’s led key product and technology initiatives that have enhanced the experience for our brokers and customers, which has contributed to our record-breaking success in H1 2024. We’re delighted for Ed to have received this well-deserved recognition!”

Looking to the future, Edward emphasizes the importance of nurturing the next generation in the industry. “The industry needs to invest in the next generation by promoting career development through training, apprenticeships, or graduate schemes. Fostering an inclusive culture is also critical to attract a wider pool of talent. Keeping the customer at the heart of everything we do is key; it’s the positive impact on our customers and the wider economy that motivates many of us to stay in the industry,” he stated.

Offering advice to newcomers in the asset finance industry, Edward said, “Don’t be afraid to take risks and try new things, particularly early in your career. I left a High Street Bank to join Shawbrook for a new challenge. It felt scary at the time but has turned out to be a fantastic decision, as this award demonstrates.”

Reflecting on his win, Edward added, “This award is recognition of all the great work at Shawbrook. Without the wider team, I wouldn’t have won this award. Ultimately, work is a team effort! The award also represents the supportive environment at Shawbrook, especially from my manager Philippa Pykett, who nominated me for the award.”

To see the full list of AFC Summer Award winners, click here.