Finance Connect Summer Awards unveils ‘The Spark’ as event theme for 2026

The Finance Connect Summer Awards 2026 has unveiled its theme for this year’s celebration: The Spark.

Taking place on 7 July 2026 at City Central in the grounds of the historic Honourable Artillery Company (HAC) in London, this year’s event will bring together leaders, innovators and rising stars from across the asset, auto, equipment and receivables finance sectors to celebrate the people, teams and organisations driving the industry forward.

The theme reflects the idea at the heart of Finance Connect itself: that connecting people creates energy. That the right conversation, at the right moment, with the right person, can change the direction of a business – or a career. That serendipitous interaction which sparks innovation.

Finance Connect was founded on that belief, and The Spark celebrates the connections that continue to shape the future of the sector.

The awards will recognise excellence across 22 categories, shining a spotlight on the individuals and organisations that have made a significant impact over the past year. At the same time, the evening will provide an opportunity for the industry to forge new relationships, share ideas and create the next generation of opportunities.

‘Bright & Bold’ dress code

In keeping with the theme, guests are encouraged to embrace a Bright & Bold dress code.

Rather than traditional black tie attire, attendees are invited to bring colour, personality and creativity to the occasion. Whether that means a vibrant blazer, a bold print, a sequinned dress or simply a favourite statement outfit, the aim is to create an atmosphere that reflects the energy and optimism of the industry.

Think: confident, colourful, celebratory. There are no rules – just come looking like you mean it.

An evening designed to celebrate

The celebrations begin at 6:00pm with a Sparkling Wine and Pimm’s reception, sponsored by NETSOL Technologies, in the HAC’s summer garden.

The gala dinner and awards ceremony will follow from 7:15pm, with all 22 awards presented throughout the evening. Every finalist and winner will have their moment in the spotlight as the industry comes together to recognise outstanding achievement.

Once the final award has been announced, the celebrations continue with an after-party featuring a live DJ, dancefloor and continued access to the funfair and bar until midnight.

Evening schedule

6:00pm – Arrivals and Sparkling Wine & Pimm’s reception – sponsored by NETSOL Technologies

6:15pm – Funfair opens: Big Wheel, Dodgems, Carousel and side stalls – sponsored by NETSOL Technologies

7:15pm – Gala dinner and awards ceremony, including three-course dinner and unlimited drinks

10:00pm onwards – After-party with DJ, dancefloor and bar

Midnight – Carriages

With finalists, sponsors and industry professionals set to gather from across the UK finance community, The Spark promises to be one of the most memorable Finance Connect celebrations yet.

Tickets and table packages are still available, and Finance Connect invites the entire industry to join the celebration.

For more information about the gala dinner and awards evening, visit the Finance Connect Summer Awards website.

To explore table packages and secure your place at the event, book your table today.