Three celebrity MBEs lead entertainment at record attendance AFC Awards

This year’s AFC Awards night has moved up yet another gear as the auto, equipment and asset finance industry meets to celebrate the brightest and best in an evening of fun and laughter which will include a Pimms and Sparkling Wine reception; a celebration gala dinner, a fun fair which includes a carousel and dodgems (don’t forget to compete for your AFC teddy!); and an opportunity to dance the night away with the AFC DJ on the dance floor with the drinks flowing into the night.

No long boring speeches, and no pomp and ceremony – this event focuses on celebration and fun only. 2025 will see a record 600+ attendees (that’s 20% more attendees than ever before) at the AFC Awards, which may not (yet) be the industry’s largest annual gathering – but it has certainly established itself as the most fun industry event all year!

AFC’s chosen charity, selected by and in association with AFPA Trust (thanks AFPA you’ve been great!), is Nordoff and Robbins, the UK’s largest music therapy charity. Charity prizes will include Kylie Minogue Wine bundle, Ruark radio, Rode headphones, Elemis goody bag,2 x tickets to the Nordoff and Robbins Carol Service. There will also be a silent auction on the night so bring your card to support a worthy cause!

Supporting the fundraise will be guest speakers Dr Carrie Grant MBE and David Grant MBE.

Carrie is a reporter for BBC 1’s The One Show and together with David hosts the Saturday Breakfast Show on BBC Radio London. In 2018 Carrie was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Arts from the University of Bedfordshire and in 2020 an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) for services to Music, Media and Charity. David Grant MBE has had 14 hit records and was nominated for 2 Brit Awards. David was awarded an MBE in 2019 for a lifetime of services to the music industry.

Supporting the awards will be Gary McAllister MBE, courtesy of new AFC corporate member verifi. Gary (if you need to be told) is a former Scottish professional football player and coach, best known for his time as a midfielder for Liverpool, Leeds United, and Coventry City.

He is also recognised for his appearances for the Scotland national team and his contributions to football as a manager and coach. He was awarded an MBE in the 2001 New Year Honours for his services to football.

AFC’s awards, now in its fourth year, started at the celebrated Hurlingham Club in Fulham. After two years it was too large to fit its prestigious SW6 venue and had to move to the City instead!

AFC has received over 150 awards nominations across 14 categories. Winners will be announced but don’t worry we will leave lots of time for celebration as well. At the ceremony we will also be announcing the all-important league tables – UK AF50 for the top 50 UK lenders and the UK AF30 for the top 30 UK asset finance brokers – identifying the fastest growing companies and the biggest brokers.

We will also be revealing who has won the prestigious AFC lifetime achievement industry award and CEO of the year, along with announcing the AFPA Trust Fellowship Award.

Sponsors of the evening are Acquis, Alfa, Allica Bank, CGI, grenke, LTi Technology Solutions, NETSOL Technologies, Odessa, Propel Finance, Shoosmiths, Solifi, verifi and VIP Apps Consulting; sponsor of the AFUK50 is Solifi and sponsor of the AF Broker 30 is Propel Finance.

If you are one of the few who have not yet secured your seat, then act now – email louiseclavey@assetfinanceconnect.com.

If you’re already booked in, then we are looking forward to seeing you on July 1^st – when even the weather is set to be the best. Prepare for an industry celebration unlike anything you have ever seen!