Conference ReviewsA new chapter with global ambition: Odile de Saivre on the future of BPCE Equipment Solutions
Awards AFC Summer Awards 2025: a celebration of excellence Published: 3rd July 2025 Share The 2025 AFC Summer Awards brought together over 550 professionals from the auto, equipment, and asset finance sectors in what has become a staple annual celebration of innovation, leadership, and community. Now in its fourth year, the event reached new heights, both in attendance and atmosphere, with guests welcomed to City Central at the Honourable Artillery Company. With its expansive setting and vibrant fun fair, the venue added a celebratory energy befitting the achievements on display and the record-breaking temperatures of this exceptional summer evening. Honouring the best in a thriving industry At the heart of the AFC Summer Awards is a commitment to recognising the people, businesses, and partnerships that are shaping the future of asset finance. In 2025, the event featured 19 award categories and more than 100 nominations, highlighting exceptional contributions across innovation, compliance, social impact, technology, and commercial success. The evening began with the unveiling of the AF50 UK Rankings 2025, sponsored by Solifi. This much-anticipated list names the top 50 auto and equipment finance providers in the UK, spotlighting the largest lenders, fastest-growing companies, and the highest new entrants in the market. This segment not only acknowledged commercial excellence but set the tone for a night focused on leadership and momentum in an evolving industry. Building on the spirit of innovation and transparency, the first-ever Asset Finance Broker 30 Report – a public ranking of the UK’s 30 largest asset finance brokers by leasing volume – made its debut. Sponsored by Propel Finance, the accompanying Broker Report Awards honoured standout performers in this space, celebrating the top three brokers by volume, recognising the largest Appointed Representative principal, and spotlighting both long-standing contributions and breakthrough innovation in the broker community. Recognising excellence in lending Among the most prestigious awards of the night were the community provider awards, which recognised standout organisations across auto, equipment, and asset finance. United Trust Bank was named Asset Finance Provider of the Year 2025, a title that reflected its market strength, customer service excellence, and commercial performance. UTB’s tailored approach to lending and sustained support for brokers and SMEs made it a clear standout among its peers. Lex Autolease was honoured as Auto Finance Provider of the Year, having continued to lead in vehicle finance solutions with a strong commitment to fleet sustainability, customer experience, and technology integration. In the equipment finance space, two organisations shared the spotlight. DLL and Econocom UK & Ireland were jointly awarded Equipment Finance Provider of the Year, sponsored by Solifi. Both companies demonstrated leadership through innovative finance solutions tailored to the evolving needs of businesses across sectors, with a particular focus on supporting sustainable growth and digital transformation. The Broker of the Year Awards recognised standout brokerages by size. Crystal Business Finance won in the small broker category for its outstanding customer service, deep client relationships, and agile response to a changing market. Anglo Scottish Asset Finance took the large broker award, sponsored by Allica Bank, in recognition of its scale, professionalism, and continued growth, demonstrating strong leadership in the intermediary space. Allica Bank was named Lender of the Year 2025, sponsored by NETSOL Technologies. The digital challenger bank has rapidly established itself as a major force in SME finance. In just four years, it has scaled impressively, with £3 billion in lending and a nearly doubled profit margin of £29.9 million in 2024. Ranked second on the FT1000: Europe’s Fastest Growing Companies list, Allica’s success is grounded in proprietary technology, a bold vision, and a clear mission to serve an often-overlooked SME segment. Celebrating industry partners and innovators In the category of Professional Services Firm of the Year, CGI stood out for its deep and sustained commitment to the asset finance sector. With over 20 years of experience, CGI continues to deliver transformational change to banks, captives, and independent lenders across Europe. In 2025, their leadership in applied AI, regulatory guidance, and operational excellence solidified their reputation as a hands-on, trusted partner during a time of unprecedented technological and economic disruption. Recognising employer excellence, social impact, and sustainability The awards also highlighted the values that make the asset finance industry a community, not just a marketplace. Renaissance Asset Finance Limited received the Best Auto or Equipment Finance Organisation to Work For, sponsored by Acquis. This award was based on anonymous employee feedback and reflected genuine staff appreciation for a culture of support, development, and recognition. The result demonstrated the power of internal culture in driving both employee satisfaction and external success. Alfa was honoured with the Social Award for its outstanding integration of inclusion, accessibility, and community impact into every facet of its operations. In 2024, Alfa took a bold step by launching a comprehensive accessibility initiative for its flagship platform, Alfa Systems, setting a new standard for digital inclusion in enterprise software. Beyond product innovation, Alfa’s workplace culture stood out for its dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with initiatives such as the Rise & Thrive programme for women and non-binary colleagues, partnerships with grassroots organisations like NIYO and codebar, and broad community engagement, including their UK charity partnership with Depaul. The Environment Award was presented to Close Brothers Asset Finance for its pioneering work in financing the UK’s transition to a net-zero economy. Close Brothers has taken a market-leading position in funding green hydrogen infrastructure, one of the most promising and challenging areas of the energy transition. Through partnerships with innovators like ITM Power and GeoPura, Close Brothers has enabled deployment of cutting-edge hydrogen technologies, reflecting a long-term commitment to climate-aligned finance that goes far beyond trend-following. Their support for small and mid-sized businesses within this emerging sector further illustrates their unique contribution to decarbonisation across hard-to-abate industries. Sarah Cunningham, Head of Compliance at the NACFB, received the Excellence in Compliance Award, sponsored by Shoosmiths. Her leadership during a period of intense regulatory change, particularly in the wake of a pivotal Court of Appeal ruling on commission disclosure, was transformative. Within weeks of joining the NACFB in 2024, Sarah overhauled the Association’s compliance framework, delivered sector-wide guidance, and established new standards in collaboration with the Finance & Leasing Association. Her clarity, confidence, and deep sector knowledge provided essential stability to the broker community during a volatile time. The Excellence in Technology Award, sponsored by VIP Apps Consulting, was awarded to the Simply Technology Team for their game-changing platform that reimagines the borrowing experience for SMEs. By embedding technology directly into the core of the business, Simply’s team enabled end-to-end digital journeys, streamlined underwriting, enhanced customer service through AI-driven automation, and empowered sales and credit teams with real-time insights. Their culture of continuous innovation and collaborative design has had a measurable impact not just within Simply, but across the broader asset finance ecosystem. Celebrating individual excellence The Outstanding Achievement Award, sponsored by grenke, went to Nathan Mollett, Head of Asset Finance at United Trust Bank. Nathan’s impact spans commercial success, industry mentorship, and charitable giving. Under his leadership, both Metro Bank and UTB have significantly grown their loan books. At UTB, he built a high-performing team and introduced market-leading products that have earned wide acclaim. Nathan is also known for his mentorship through the Leasing Foundation’s NextGen Network, and for fundraising efforts that have raised over £65,000 for charitable causes. Peter McDonnell, founder and driving force behind the AFPA Trust, was honoured with the prestigious AFC & AFPA Trust Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Industry, as the AFPA Trust launched its new Fellowship status in recognition of his enduring legacy and inspiration. As Robert Taylor, Chair of the AFPA Trust, shared: “Peter founded the Asset Finance Professionals Association Trust during one of his legendary long lunches over a decade ago. Since then, AFPA has flourished, donating an incredible £99,340 to 26 charities in 2024 alone. None of this would have been possible without the blueprint Peter created. “But Peter’s generosity goes far beyond financial contributions. He gives freely of his time, mentoring countless individuals across the industry. Many of us owe our careers, our connections, and our confidence to Peter – often without even realising the full extent of what he’s done, and never because he asked for anything in return.” The Rising Star Award 2025, sponsored by verifi and presented by football legend Gary McAllister, was awarded to Kevin Calkiewicz, Associate Director at Charles & Dean Finance. Kevin was recognised for his exceptional leadership, ability to develop high-performing teams, and his significant commercial contributions to his firm. His forward-thinking mindset and commitment to talent development mark him as one of the most promising leaders of the next generation. In another headline moment, the CEO of the Year Award was presented to Kerry Howells, CEO of Tower Leasing. Under her visionary leadership, Tower has experienced remarkable growth while placing ESG, collaboration, and ethical leadership at its core. From navigating complex transitions in telecoms finance to reshaping company culture, Kerry has been a driving force in redefining what inclusive, values-driven leadership looks like in asset finance. A final standing ovation The evening concluded with the presentation of the AFC Lifetime Achievement Award to Steve Bolton, a universally respected figure in the leasing and financial services industry. With a career spanning over three decades, Steve has held senior leadership roles at Lloyds, Barclays, and PEAC Solutions. He has contributed tirelessly to the industry through governance roles at the Finance & Leasing Association and Motability Operations. Known for his humility, professionalism, and unwavering support for colleagues and partners, Steve was celebrated as a true gentleman of the industry – leaving a legacy defined by integrity, service, and leadership. The 2025 AFC Summer Awards were more than just a celebration, they were a reflection of an industry that continues to evolve, elevate, and lead with purpose. From trailblazing technology to social innovation and environmental stewardship, this year’s winners proved that asset finance is not only about capital but about character, commitment, and community. Nordoff and Robbins were announced as the official charity partner for the AFC Summer Awards 2025, marking a meaningful collaboration between the asset finance community and the UK’s largest music therapy charity. Dedicated to using the power of music to support individuals facing life-limiting illness, disability, or social isolation, Nordoff and Robbins brought a unique and powerful mission to the heart of this year’s event. Guests had the opportunity to hear directly from the charity’s music ambassadors, Dr Carrie Grant MBE and David Grant MBE, who spoke movingly about the life-changing impact of music therapy. Funds raised from the evening’s silent auction and raffle – featuring exclusive prizes – will go directly to supporting the charity’s vital work. Nearly £15,000 has been raised so far for Nordoff and Robbins at the AFC Summer Awards 2025. The summer event, which is an integral part of the asset finance calendar, was sponsored by LTi Technology Solutions, Allica Bank, NETSOL Technologies, Solifi, Shoosmiths, VIP Apps Consulting, Acquis, grenke, verify, Odessa, Propel Finance, Alfa and CGI. The official photos from the evening are now available to view and download at https://assetfinanceconnect.pixieset.com/assetfinanceconnectsummerawards2025/ Feel free to download your favourites and share them on social media – don’t forget to tag us and use #AFCAwards25! Award winners: AF50UK 2025 ranking awards sponsored by Solifi: Asset Finance Connect Top 5 lenders by outstandings Winners: Lombard, HSBC, Close Brothers, BNP Paribas, Novuna Strongest growth in one year (%) Winner: Asset Alliance Strongest growth over three years (%) Winner: Propel Finance Strongest growth over five years (%) Winner: Haydock Finance Strongest growth in one year (£) Winner: Lex Autolease Highest new entry to AF50 Winner: Oxbury Bank AF Broker 30 2025 ranking awards sponsored by Propel Finance: Asset Finance Connect Top 3 brokers Winners: Anglo Scottish, Rural Finance, Portman Group Largest AR principal Winner: Asset Finance Solutions (UK) Ltd (AFS) Services to the broker industry Winner: Andy Taylor, Haydock Finance Broker innovator of the year Winner: Anglo Scottish Asset Finance AFC asset finance provider of the year 2025, sponsored by LTi Technology Solutions Winner: United Trust Bank Highly commended: Novuna Business Finance AFC auto finance provider of the year 2025 Winner: Lex Autolease AFC equipment finance provider of the year 2025, sponsored by Solifi Winner: DLL Winner: Econocom UK & IRL AFC broker of the year 2025, sponsored by Allica Bank Winner (small broker): Crystal Business Finance Winner (large broker): Anglo Scottish Asset Finance Highly commended (large broker): Charles & Dean Finance AFC lender of the year 2025, sponsored by NETSOL Technologies Winner: Allica Bank Highly commended: Propel Finance AFC professional services firm of the year 2025 Winner: CGI AFC best auto or equipment finance organisation to work for 2025, sponsored by Acquis Winner: Renaissance Asset Finance Limited Highly commended: PEAC Solutions Highly commended: Halo Corporate Finance Ltd AFC environment award 2025 Winner: Close Brothers Asset Finance AFC social award 2025 Winner: Alfa Highly commended: Metro Bank Asset Finance AFC excellence in compliance award 2025, sponsored by Shoosmiths Winner: Sarah Cunningham, Head of Compliance, NACFB AFC excellence in technology award 2025, sponsored by VIP Apps Consulting Winner: Asset Finance Technology Team, Simply Highly commended: The Lucero team, Oswaldo Colon, Lead Developer, and Richard Huston Managing Director and Lead Architect, VAMOS AFC outstanding achievement award 2024 2025, sponsored by grenke Winner: Nathan Mollett, Head of Asset Finance, United Trust Bank Highly commended: Mickaella Johnson, Operations Manager, Sales Support, Tower Leasing AFC & AFPA Award for outstanding contribution to the asset finance industry Winner: Peter McDonnell AFC rising star award 2025, sponsored by verifi Winner: Kevin Calkiewicz, Associate Director, Charles & Dean Finance Highly commended: George Hall, Broker, Hall Asset Finance Highly commended: Cherrice Baffana, Business Development Support, Metro Bank Asset Finance AFC CEO of the year 2025, sponsored by verifi Winner: Kerry Howells, CEO, Tower Leasing AFC lifetime achievement award 2025 Winner: Steve Bolton, PEAC Solutions Lisa Laverick Editor - Asset Finance Connect Sign up to our newsletter Featured Stories AwardsSimply wins AFC Excellence in Technology Award 2025 AwardsRenaissance Asset Finance named AFC Best Company to Work For AwardsNathan Mollett honoured with AFC Outstanding Achievement Award Sponsors
