Finance Kitchen recognised as Specialist Asset Broker of the Year 2026

Finance Connect continues its series highlighting the winners of the Finance Connect Summer Awards 2026. Finance Kitchen Asset Management Limited was the winner of the Specialist Asset Broker of the Year award, sponsored by Shire Leasing.

The Specialist Asset Broker of the Year award recognises a broker that has demonstrated exceptional expertise, customer service and innovation in delivering funding solutions for specialist assets, while building trusted relationships with customers and lender partners.

For Finance Kitchen Asset Management Limited, the award carries particular significance as a husband-and-wife business serving the hospitality sector.

“As a husband-and-wife business, we are the team,” they said. “That said, the recognition from the awards means a huge amount to us and our relationship with both the finance and hospitality communities whom we serve.”

One of the biggest factors behind the company’s success over the past year has been a bold strategic decision to reshape its business model.

“We took a massive risk at the beginning of 2025 and relaunched as a fee rather than commission earner,” they explained. “That has completely changed how we are perceived and attracted bigger, better opportunities.”

The change reflects a wider philosophy centred on transparency and acting solely in the customer’s best interests.

Asked how client expectations are evolving, Finance Kitchen highlighted the challenges many hospitality businesses continue to face.

“Many in the hospitality sector start from the assumption that no one can help them, so we have played a part in changing their thinking in respect to what is possible,” they said.

That customer-first approach also defines what the business believes makes a successful broker.

“More than ever it’s important to focus on what is the best solution for the customer rather than how can I, as a broker, make the most money from an opportunity,” they said. “Transparency and honesty are the watchwords.”

Looking ahead, Finance Kitchen has ambitious plans to continue evolving its business.

“Our ambition over the next 12 months is to continue our progression into a ‘professional services’ business which ranks alongside other professions such as accountancy and law,” they said.

Commenting on the award, Malcolm Workman, Chief Risk Officer at Shire Leasing, praised Finance Kitchen’s commitment to putting customers first.

“Finance Kitchen Asset Management Ltd is a highly deserving winner of the Specialist Asset Broker of the Year Award,” he said. “Their success reflects many of the qualities that distinguish the very best brokers in today’s market: a deep understanding of their customers, strong sector expertise and a commitment to finding the right funding solutions rather than simply the quickest option.

“They have demonstrated the ability to combine specialist knowledge, excellent service and a customer-focused approach, helping businesses access the finance they need to achieve their ambitions. Congratulations to the entire Finance Kitchen team on this well-earned recognition.”