Gordon Larson named AFC small broker of the year

In a remarkable achievement, Gordon Larson, Director of Asset & General Finance Ltd, has been awarded the AFC Small Broker of the Year 2024, sponsored by Allica Bank, at the AFC Summer Awards 2024.

This accolade is a testament to Gordon’s dedication and influence in the asset finance industry, an area he joined only seven years ago after transitioning from investment banking.

Reflecting on the honour, Gordon Larson shared, “It still feels a little bit overwhelming in all honesty. The asset finance world is an industry that I care deeply about, and to be recognised and commended by my peers for the small part I play in that ecosystem is huge for me.” He expressed his gratitude for the recognition among industry veterans, emphasizing that his relatively short journey in asset finance makes the achievement even more significant.

The Awards Evening itself was a highlight for Gordon. Despite being one of the few attendees to travel from Scotland, he found the event to be an excellent opportunity to connect with colleagues and industry peers. “It was great to see some people I know in real life, put faces to names and telephone voices, and meet new people and make new connections,” he said.

Gordon Larson acknowledged that the past year has not been without its challenges. “My biggest challenge always is recruitment and finding new brokers,” he noted. His focus is on growing the company with high-quality brokers who can integrate seamlessly into the existing team culture. He also highlighted the industry’s ageing demographic and his hope for more young people to join asset finance, despite the financial uncertainties that can come with starting out in this field.

Among his greatest achievements this year, he counts his recent award and his involvement in the formation of the Guild of Business Finance Professionals. “The Guild will really make a difference in supporting the independent players in the game and helping us ‘small brokers’ have a louder voice in the marketplace,” he said, underscoring his commitment to advancing the industry.

Looking ahead, Gordon sees significant opportunities for innovation within asset finance, particularly through technology. He advocates for a unified proposal platform for brokers to streamline their interactions with lenders, arguing that this would simplify processes and enhance efficiency. As the economy anticipates a boom period, Larson believes asset finance will remain a crucial vehicle for SME investment, aiding economic growth by providing essential financial support across diverse industries.

Despite the industry’s traditional nature, Gordon Larson believes its strength lies in its ability to maintain genuine, lasting relationships with clients. “When faced with a challenge we shouldn’t need to reinvent the industry, just make sure we keep doing what we’re doing and do it well, and get the word out there that we’re here to help,” he stated.

In winning the AFC Small Broker of the Year award, Gordon Larson not only celebrates personal and professional milestones but also underscores the vital role that small brokers play in the broader asset finance landscape.