NACFB Commercial Broker Awards 2023: Celebrating Excellence in Broking

Introduction

The NACFB Commercial Broker Awards 2023 recently took place at the renowned Lancashire Cricket Club in Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester. This year’s event was marked by unprecedented enthusiasm as it welcomed a record-breaking attendance of 580 industry professionals. The awards not only acknowledged outstanding performances in broking but also highlighted the growing vibrancy of the sector, with a notable 22% increase in entries compared to the previous year.

A Day of Celebration and Recognition

This sixth annual awards ceremony was hosted by the talented Jayde Adams, whose humor and professionalism captivated attendees and ensured a seamless event. Sponsored by NatWest as the headline partner, along with support from HSBC, VAS, and Premium Credit, the awards celebrated winners across 24 prestigious categories.

Emotional Moments

One of the most poignant moments came when Paul Slapa, founder of the Unbeatable Eva Foundation, shared a heartfelt story about his journey and the charity’s mission. Attendees participated in a spirited game of Heads and Tails to raise funds for the foundation, with Tony Pisani from Millbrook Business Finance winning a Garmin Multisport Smartwatch.

Key Highlights from the Awards

Reflecting on his inaugural experience as CEO, Jim Higginbotham expressed his gratitude to all who contributed to making the event a resounding success. He emphasized that the awards serve not just to recognize excellence but to celebrate the firms pushing boundaries within the industry.

Judging and Voting Process

Winners were determined by an expert judging panel and votes from Patron lenders and Partner suppliers. To maintain fairness and impartiality, submissions were anonymized, ensuring an unbiased selection process.

Award Winners

Here are the winners and highly commended firms across various categories:

Asset and Leasing Finance

• Broker of the Year (1 to 3 brokers):

  • Winner: Claratus Commercial Finance
  • Highly Commended: Synergi Finance

• Broker of the Year (4+ brokers):

  • Winner: Moorgate Finance
  • Highly Commended: Bathgate Business Finance

Buy-to-Let Mortgage Finance

• Broker of the Year (1 to 3 brokers):

  • Winner: VIBE Finance
  • Highly Commended: Advanced Funding Solutions

• Broker of the Year (4+ brokers):

  • Winner: Aria Finance
  • Highly Commended: SPF Private Finance

Cashflow Finance

• Broker of the Year (1 to 3 brokers):

  • Winner: Synergi Finance
  • Highly Commended: Claratus Commercial Finance

• Broker of the Year (4+ brokers):

  • Winner: Halo Corporate Finance
  • Highly Commended: Leonard Curtis

Commercial Mortgage

• Broker of the Year (1 to 3 brokers):

  • Winner: Ross Commercial Finance
  • Highly Commended: Aquilae Capital Advisory

• Broker of the Year (4+ brokers):

  • Winner: Watts Commercial Finance
  • Highly Commended: Leonard Curtis

Development Finance

• Broker of the Year (1 to 3 brokers):

  • Winner: Willow Isle Capital
  • Highly Commended: Positive Commercial Finance

• Broker of the Year (4+ brokers):

  • Winner: Real Finance
  • Highly Commended: Arc & Co.

Special Awards

• Industry Ambassador of the Year: Kim McGinley – VIBE Finance
• Unsung Hero of the Year: Mickaella Johnson – Tower Leasing
• Rising Star of the Year: Kevin Calkiewicz – Charles & Dean Finance

Regional Awards

• Northern Irish Broker of the Year: RM Commercial Finance
• Scottish Broker of the Year: Ross Commercial Finance
• Welsh Broker of the Year: Pure Property Finance

Conclusion

The NACFB Commercial Broker Awards 2023 was not just a celebration of individual achievements; it was a testament to the collective strength and innovation within the broking community. With an increasing number of firms participating each year, and a growing variety of award categories, the NACFB continues to play a pivotal role in shining a light on excellence in the commercial finance sector. As the community grows, so does the opportunity to elevate standards and inspire future generations of brokers.

For a complete listing of winners and additional details, please visit the official NACFB site.