Recognising industry changemakers with the AFC Social Award 2025

Submissions are open for the AFC Social Award at the Asset Finance Connect Summer Awards 2025 — an opportunity to celebrate individuals, teams, or organisations making a significant social impact within the asset finance industry.

This prestigious award acknowledges meaningful contributions toward managing and improving the social footprint of businesses across their workforces, customers, partners, and communities. Eligible nominations include initiatives in inclusive product and service design, support for vulnerable customers, employee well-being and talent development programmes, diversity recruitment strategies, and collaborative efforts with supply chain partners that prioritise ethical and equitable outcomes. Industry-wide campaigns that champion employee and customer welfare are also welcomed.

The AFC Social Award stands as a symbol of recognition for those committed to fostering positive change, and last year’s winner, Metro Bank Asset Finance, set a high benchmark.

Spotlight on 2024 winner: Metro Bank Asset Finance

As part of their Day to Amaze volunteering programme, the Asset Finance team actively contributes to community wellbeing, underscoring a culture rooted in purpose and compassion.

Nova Everidge, Director of Asset Finance at Metro Bank, reflects on the significance of winning: “It means a great deal to Metro Bank Asset Finance to win the AFC Social Award. Metro Bank works hard to create an inclusive workplace and prioritises giving back to the local communities it serves. The Asset Finance team fully embraces this element of the Metro Bank culture, and to receive industry recognition (judged by industry peers) is a real honour.”

Everidge also emphasised how Metro Bank’s core values play a pivotal role in attracting top talent: “We work hard to make sure our colleagues always feel valued and supported. Our inclusive approach includes colleague networks for ethnicity and culture, women, LGBTQ+, family, and wellbeing, along with mentoring and apprenticeship programmes.”

Through these initiatives, Metro Bank fosters a culture where everyone belongs and is empowered to succeed. The bank’s five inclusion networks — Mbrace, Women on Work (WOW), Mpride, Mfamily, and Mbody — serve as a foundation for driving equity and inclusion across the organisation.

“At Metro Bank, we want every single colleague to feel that they belong, are included, accepted, and valued,” Everidge added. “Our commitment to being a leader in diversity and inclusion helps us bring out the best in our colleagues, attract new talent, thrive as a business, and create more loyal customers.”

The short video below features Nova Everidge sharing what winning the award meant to the Metro Bank Asset Finance team and how the recognition helped drive continued progress across the organisation.

Submit your nomination

If you or your organisation is championing inclusive practices, community engagement, or ethical partnerships, now is the time to gain the recognition you deserve.

Visit the AFC Awards Social Category page for full details on entry criteria and how to submit a nomination. With nominations closing on Friday 9^th May, don’t miss your chance to be celebrated among the best in the industry for making a real difference.