Members blogs

NACFB becomes Asset Finance Connect Corporate Member

Sep 20, 2023: We are pleased to announce that the National Association of Commercial Finance Brokers (NACFB) has joined Asset Finance Connect (AFC) as a Corporate Member. Edward Peck, CEO of Asset Finance Connect commented, “Asset Finance Connect provides a for...

Asset Finance Connect welcomes PEAC Solutions as newest Corporate Member

Sep 20, 2023: Asset Finance Connect are pleased to announce that financing solutions provider PEAC Solutions has become our newest Corporate Member. Edward Peck, CEO of Asset Finance Connect commented, “Asset Finance Connect are thrilled that PEAC Solutions has...

AFS (UK) Ltd and Synergy Commercial Finance witness surge in aspiring brokers

Sep 14, 2023: Asset Finance Solutions (UK) Ltd and Synergy Commercial Finance have announced a notable upswing in the number of individuals choosing to embark on a career as brokers within their networks during the first half of their financial year (May to Octo...

Plethora of Leasing Foundation events this autumn

Sep 07, 2023: The Leasing Foundation has announced that it has lots of events scheduled over the next couple of months – all worth attending if you work for a business in the asset finance and leasing space. ...

Allica Bank becomes newest Asset Finance Connect Corporate Member

Sep 01, 2023: Asset Finance Connect (AFC) has welcomed Allica Bank as its newest Corporate Member. Edward Peck, CEO of Asset Finance Connect commented, ““We are delighted that Allica Bank has joined the Asset Finance Connect community as a Corporate Member. ...

Empowering education and sustainability

Aug 29, 2023: In their latest group initiative ‘Leaders for a Changing World’, BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions have partnered with Teach First and GemServ to focus on closing the attainment gap for disadvantaged young people. ...

National research finds younger directors breaking through into top UK companies

Aug 29, 2023: The rise of young CEOs in the UK has been thrust into the limelight in recent years with the likes of Gymshark’s Ben Francis and BBC Dragon Steven Bartlett very much at the helm. Individuals in their 20s and 30s effectively managing bigger enterpri...

AFPA Trust raises £10,000 for Alexander Devine Children's Hospice Service

Aug 29, 2023: The Asset Finance Professionals Association (AFPA) Trust, a renowned and impactful charitable organisation, has raised £10,000 in support of the Alexander Devine Children's Hospice during its annual Summer Drinks event held on August 17th at London...

United Trust Bank celebrate wins at the 2023 Asset Finance Connect Summer Awards

Aug 09, 2023: United Trust Bank (UTB) had three things to celebrate at the 2023 Asset Finance Connect Summer Awards at London’s Hurlingham Club, with two award wins and a ‘Highly Commended’ sealing a successful night. More than 500 auto, equipment and asset fin...

Millbrook Business Finance voted best industry broker to work for by employees

Aug 07, 2023: At the recent Asset Finance Connect Summer Awards 2023, Millbrook Business Finance received the highly sought-after Best Organisation to Work for Award, sponsored by CBC Resourcing Solutions, for its “great people, great management and great innova...

Time Finance celebrate award win as Asset Finance Provider of the Year

Aug 02, 2023: Time Finance, the alternative finance provider to SMEs, was awarded the prestigious title of Asset Finance Provider of the Year 2023 at the esteemed Asset Finance Connect Summer Awards 2023. ...

LDMS joins Asset Finance Connect as a Corporate Member

Jul 31, 2023: Credit software specialist, LDMS, has joined Asset Finance Connect as a Corporate Member. Edward Peck, CEO of Asset Finance Connect commented, “We are delighted that LDMS has joined Asset Finance Connect as a Corporate Member, bringing their digit...

ALD’s Tim Albertsen honoured as Asset Finance Connect’s CEO of the Year 2023

Jul 31, 2023: ALD Automotive’s Chief Executive Officer, Tim Albertsen, received the Fleet Operator CEO of the Year Award 2023 at the recent Asset Finance Connect Summer Awards; a tribute to Tim’s considerable expertise and unwavering commitment to mobility throu...

Fleet Alliance rated Best Workplace for Women 2023

Jul 26, 2023: Leasing and fleet management specialist, Fleet Alliance, has been voted A Best Workplace For Women for a third year in a row and the only fleet management company in its category to achieve this accolade. Fleet Alliance CEO, Andy Bruce (pictured),...

Shire Leasing’s ‘social conscience’ Helen Lumb receives AFC Social Award 2023

Jul 26, 2023: A most worthy winner of the Asset Finance Connect Social Award 2023 is Shire Leasing’s Chief Financial Officer, Helen Lumb, for her “drive and passion for developing other people as well as promoting equality and inclusion in the workplace.” ...

Simply voted the best industry organisation to work for by its employees

Jul 25, 2023: The Asset Finance Connect Best Organisation to Work for (Lender) Award 2023, sponsored by CBC Resourcing Solutions, was awarded to Simply Asset Finance at the recent AFC Summer Awards. Judged by the company’s own employees, the accolade of “best c...

4 in 10 UK female business leaders don’t have the cashflow they need to grow, data reveals

Jul 24, 2023: Research from Bibby Financial Services (BFS) finds that women SME owners are more likely than men to suffer cashflow challenges, undermining their growth and ambitions. Only half (49%) of women business owners report that their cashflow is stable ...

AFC Social Award celebrates Alfa’s positive social impact

Jul 24, 2023: At the recent Asset Finance Connect Summer Awards, Alfa were presented with the AFC Social Award 2023 for its vibrant and diverse social impact on the lives of the people who work at Alfa, as well as the wider community. On winning the award, Grah...

Bruce Nelson honoured with AFC Lifetime Achievement Award 2023

Jul 19, 2023: The 2023 Asset Finance Connect Lifetime Achievement Award was bestowed on the “godfather of the asset finance industry”, Bruce Nelson, who has shown undiminished passion for the sector whilst having an enormously positive impact in helping to resha...

Close Brothers recognised for their environmental impact at the AFC Summer Awards

Jul 18, 2023: Close Brothers’ mission is clear, as CEO Adrian Sainsbury stated in the annual report: “We are committed to supporting the transition to a low-carbon economy and will continue to work with all of our stakeholders on the journey to a net zero future...

Cameron Small recognised as Asset Finance Connect’s Rising Star of 2023

Jul 17, 2023: Recognising new and upcoming industry talent, the AFC Rising Star Award 2023 could not have been bestowed on a more worthy recipient and exceptional new talent – Cameron Small – who has demonstrated a true passion for the asset finance industry, ma...

The sun shines on the outstanding recipients of the AFC Summer Awards  

Jul 13, 2023: The sun was shining at London’s prestigious Hurlingham Club for the Asset Finance Connect Summer Awards 2023. More than 500 auto, equipment and asset finance professionals attended the largest asset finance awards to celebrate the many success stor...

Leasing Foundation to host collaborative problem solving workshop

Jul 11, 2023: As the problems faced by society grow more complex, interrelated and ill-formed, we have increasingly turned to groups and teams for solutions. In response, collaborative problem solving has been widely recognised as a vital skill in both business ...

Simply Asset Finance opens Liverpool office

Jun 27, 2023: Simply Asset Finance, the specialist business lending provider, is extending its national reach by opening an additional sales centre in the business district of Liverpool. Headquartered in London, Simply Asset Finance already has existing hubs acr...

DF Capital partners with The Manchester College

Jun 26, 2023: DF Capital has announced that it has partnered with The Manchester College, the largest further education college in the UK, to help deliver a T Level programme in Finance. ...

Leaseurope’s Annual Convention returns in 2023

Jun 14, 2023: Organised by Leaseurope and Eurofinas, the European Leasing, Automotive Rental & Consumer Credit Industries Annual Conventions of 2023 will be held at the Hilton Park Hotel in Vienna, Austria on October 5th-6th, 2023. Organised by the industry...

Asset Finance Connect UK Conference: how tech is driving change in the auto and equipment finance

Jun 14, 2023: The sun was shining and the conversation flowing at the Asset Finance Connect Summer Conference, held in London on 13th June. Over 375 senior executives heard presentations from a broad range of speakers from the auto, equipment and asset finance s...

The Leasing Foundation launch 30 under 30 initiative for 2023

Jun 14, 2023: Nominations are now open for the Leasing Foundation’s annual list of 30 high-performing young professionals in the asset finance industry. Now in its third year, the 30 under 30 initiative aims to recognise individuals’ exceptional talent, showcas...

Building a resilient and efficient broker-lender channel

Jun 13, 2023: Representatives from the UK asset finance industry - brokers, lenders, technology providers and trade associations - attended a participative workshop to explore and address important topics for all brokers and lenders who depend on the effective f...

Applications open for Close Brothers Asset Finance’s Sales Academy

Jun 12, 2023: Close Brothers Asset Finance has announced that applications have opened for its Sales Academy, which is designed to attract new and diverse talent into the sector from across the UK. ...

Leasing Foundation LGBTQ+ Pride celebration

Jun 08, 2023: To celebrate Pride month, the Leasing Foundation and the Alfa LGBTQ+ Community will be hosting an event focusing on ‘The Rise of Transphobia’, to be held at Shoosmiths offices on Thursday 29th June. Trans Activist and Speaker, George Evans, and Al...

The Leasing Foundation Summer Party raises £35,000 for Wings for Life

Jun 06, 2023: The Leasing Foundation has announced that its first ever asset finance Summer Party raised £35,000 for its 2023 charity, Wings for Life. The epic event, which was held at the Honourable Artillery Company in London on Thursday 1st June 2023, was at...

Asset Finance Connect welcomes Paragon as newest Corporate Member

May 25, 2023: Asset Finance Connect (AFC) is pleased to announce that specialist finance provider Paragon has become our newest Corporate Member. Asset Finance Connect's CEO, Edward Peck, noted, “We are delighted that Paragon has joined AFC as a Corporate ...

OSB Group match InterBay Asset Finance’s £10k AFPA Trust Big Quiz win for chosen charity

May 25, 2023: Parent bank, OSB Group plc, has agreed to match InterBay Asset Finance’s £10,000 first prize win from the AFPA Trust Big Quiz for homeless charity Depaul UK, who will now be receiving a massive £20,000! Depaul UK works to provide safe housing, pra...

Asset Finance Connect Summer Awards set to hit 600 attendees

May 22, 2023: Early bird ends on 26th May; less than 10 tables remaining! The second Asset Finance Connect summer awards, which is headline sponsored by Alfa, to be held on July 12th is set to be the largest asset finance awards event ever with just 10 tables l...

InterBay Asset Finance scoops £10,000 for chosen charity at AFPA Trust Big Quiz

May 19, 2023: Congratulations to InterBay Asset Finance’s quizzing team for taking first place in the inaugural AFPA Trust Big Quiz, winning £10,000 for homeless charity Depaul UK along with the Rivermore Asset Finance Trophy. VIP Apps Consulting took second pl...

AFC Summer Awards – Finalists Announced

May 18, 2023: Asset Finance Connect is pleased to announce the finalists for the 2023 Summer Awards. Edward Peck, CEO and Founder of Asset Finance Connect commented “2023 has seen an overwhelming number of entries, the most we have ever received. The quality of ...

First-ever AFC next-gen keynote is Ken Hunnisett, head of public sector at Triple Point

May 17, 2023: Asset Finance Connect (AFC) is delighted to announce that this year’s inaugural next-gen keynote address for its June 13th event will be delivered by Ken Hunnisett, head of public sector at Triple Point. Ken will explain to an audience of up to 10...

Agenda announced for AFC Summer Conference

May 17, 2023: The much-anticipated agenda for the forthcoming Asset Finance Connect Summer Conference is now live at https://afcconferenceuk.com/afcuk/en/page/agenda. The event will be returning to etc.venues, 155 Bishopsgate, London on June 13th. Tickets for ...

22% rise in people and businesses turning to 'social purpose' lenders

May 17, 2023: The number of people, businesses and social enterprises borrowing from the UK’s not-for-profit, ‘community development’ lenders has leaped by 22% to nearly 95,000 in 2022. New figures from Responsible Finance, which represents community developmen...

Challenging the challengers: how big banks can reclaim ground lost to smaller, nimble and less constrained competitors

May 16, 2023: Asset Finance Connect (AFC) is delighted to announce that this year’s equipment finance keynote at the AFC London conference on June 13th will be delivered by Timothy Biddle, managing director of asset finance and invoice finance sales at Lloyds Ba...

VIP Apps Consulting register team for the AFPA Trust Big Quiz

May 15, 2023: VIP Apps Consulting has registered their quizzing team for the AFPA Trust Big Quiz, which will take place on May 18th at the prestigious Royal Overseas League Club in Mayfair, London. ...

Toby Marshall, managing director of GWM ORA UK to be auto finance keynote at AFC Conference in June 2023

May 15, 2023: Asset Finance Connect (AFC) is delighted to announce that this year’s opening auto finance keynote address for its June 13 event will be delivered by Toby Marshall, managing director of GWM ORA UK. He will be interviewed by Asset Finance Connect’s ...

Evolution AI joins Asset Finance Connect as a Corporate Member

May 15, 2023: Automated data extraction specialist, Evolution AI, has joined Asset Finance Connect as a Corporate Member. Edward Peck, CEO of Asset Finance Connect commented, “We are delighted that Evolution AI has joined Asset Finance Connect as a Corporate Me...

3 important Asset Finance Connect digital sessions for asset finance lenders and brokers on May 19th you should not miss

May 12, 2023: Asset Finance brokers and lenders who have not yet reserved their place at one of the three digital sessions for asset finance lenders and brokers we will be running next Friday 19th May at noon to 1.40pm on zoom should book their place now by emai...

Teamwill to quiz for cancer charities at the AFPA Trust Big Quiz

May 12, 2023: With two teams quizzing at the AFPA Trust Big Quiz on May 18th, Teamwill are hoping to take home the Rivermore Trophy and win £10,000 for one of their chosen cancer charities – Prostate Cancer UK and Bowelbabe Fund. Philip Benké, Business Developm...

SGEF UK hoping to win £10,000 for chosen charities at the AFPA Trust Big Quiz

May 09, 2023: Entering two teams in the AFPA Trust Big Quiz on May 18th at the Royal Overseas League Club in Mayfair, London, SGEF UK will be hoping to win £10,000 for one of their chosen charities: Kingston Foodbank and Shelter. ...

Quizzing teams confirm charities for the AFPA Big Quiz

May 05, 2023: Three more quizzing teams have entered the AFPA Trust Big Quiz from Conister Bank, Propel Finance and VitrX hoping to win the Rivermore Trophy and £10,000 for their chosen charity. The AFPA Big Quiz will be held on May 18th at the Royal Overseas Le...

STAR receives Asset Finance Broker of the Year 2023 accolade

May 03, 2023: The STAR Asset Finance Group (“STAR”) has scooped the coveted Asset Finance Broker of the Year 2023 at the Business Moneyfacts Awards, in recognition of their exceptional performance and commitment to providing outstanding service. ...

Allica Bank hope to ‘win big’ for their chosen charity at the AFPA Trust Big Quiz

May 01, 2023: Hoping to win the Rivermore trophy and £10,000 for their chosen charity Blood Cancer UK, Allica Bank has registered a team for the AFPA Trust Big Quiz, which will take place on May 18th at the prestigious Royal Overseas League Club in Mayfair...