Simply Cup shines at AFC Summer Awards

The Simply Cup was recently honoured with the AFC Outstanding Achievement Award, sponsored by Alfa, at the Asset Finance Connect (AFC) Summer Awards. This recognition marked a significant milestone for all of those who participated and supported, and underscored the event’s impact beyond the realm of football.

Mike Randall, CEO at Simply Asset Finance, expressed his delight at the accolade, emphasizing the collective effort behind the Simply Cup. “Being recognised at a forum such as the AFC Summer Party for the hard work of our teams is always noteworthy. The Simply Cup winning AFC Outstanding Achievement Award was the highlight of the event for us. It represents so much more than football; it represents inclusivity, charity, collaboration, it broke down barriers and it was the first of its kind. Hours of work were put into the making of it and there were some incredible efforts from all the businesses involved, so for it to come away with a win, having been recognised alongside so many other amazing finalists, was special.”

The significance of the Simply Cup

The Simply Cup stands out in the industry for numerous reasons. Randall highlighted its ability to unite businesses for a charitable cause, demonstrating the power of collaboration. “Not only did it demonstrate the ability to raise a significant amount of money for charity by having so many businesses come together to support, but it was a leading example of how we can achieve amazing things when we get together behind a common cause. We see it as a huge step in the right direction for positive collaboration across the industry. We’re hoping next year we get even more participants!”

Moreover, the Simply Cup broke new ground in promoting inclusivity and diversity. The inclusion of the Leasing Lionesses and other female players marked a significant move towards gender equality in the industry.

“The Simply Cup was a first of its kind when it came to inclusivity and breaking down barriers for diversity. The integration of the Leasing Lionesses into the tournament and having other female players in teams, is a positive movement towards change and achieving gender equality in the industry. The initiative has also led the way in creating a space that is diverse and inclusive in sporting events, which will change the level of participation now and going forward,” noted Randall.

A unifying force for a noble cause

In January 2024, the asset finance community gathered for the second Simply Cup, a charity football tournament in aid of Cancer Research UK (CRUK). Sponsored by Acquis, the event saw unprecedented participation from 26 industry teams.

The 2024 Simply Cup was not just a sporting event but a powerful statement of unity and commitment to a worthy cause. Randall remarked, “It is absolutely incredible to see so many businesses across our industry come together to have some fun, collaborate, and get competitive for an extremely important cause that is Cancer Research UK. It is a cause that is extremely important to the Simply family, and I am sure many others.”

The tournament featured almost 200 participants, with LGB Capital Markets emerging victorious after a thrilling final against the 2023 champions, Audeo Financial Services.

Looking ahead

The success of the 2024 Simply Cup has set a high bar for future events. Randall expressed his gratitude and excitement for the future, stating, “I am overwhelmed by the support we have received from our friends across the industry for the Simply Cup. I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has donated to and supported the event. We can’t wait for the next one!”

The Simply Cup charity football tournament will be returning in January 2025 and promises to inspire even greater participation and support. The Simply Cup’s recognition at the AFC Summer Awards and its impactful charity efforts demonstrate the potential of the asset finance industry to drive positive change through collaboration and inclusivity.