Lombard recognised with Environmental, Social and Governance Award 2026

For many businesses, sustainability is no longer simply a corporate responsibility objective – it has become a commercial priority. That shift is one of the reasons Lombard was recognised with the Finance Connect Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Award 2026, celebrating its commitment to helping customers navigate the energy transition through innovative funding and expert support.

As Finance Connect continues its series profiling the winners of the Finance Connect Summer Awards 2026, we spoke to Paul Edwards, Managing Director of Lombard and Specialist Businesses, and Andrew Kilheeney, Managing Director of Lombard Wholesale and Specialist Sectors, about why sustainability has become central to both the business and its customers.

For Edwards, the award is recognition of the people and partnerships that have helped Lombard support businesses through a rapidly changing environment.

“Receiving this recognition is incredibly meaningful for our team,” he said. “It shines a spotlight on our commitment to supporting customers in navigating the rapidly evolving energy landscape.

“This award reflects the strength of our partnerships, the expertise of our people and our ongoing efforts to help customers pursue their sustainability ambitions.”

“By supporting sustainable investments, we seek to help our customers manage risk and capitalise on the opportunities presented by the energy transition – ultimately supporting customers with their long-term strategy.”

Over the past year, Lombard has focused on supporting businesses investing in renewable energy projects and improving energy efficiency.

“Our targeted approach to funding the energy transition has delivered tangible benefits,” Edwards said. “By providing tailored finance solutions for renewable energy projects and energy efficiency upgrades, we’ve empowered customers to adapt to changing market dynamics and help make measurable progress towards their sustainability efforts, as well as frequently improving their resilience and profitability.”

According to Kilheeney, customer demand for sustainability support has accelerated significantly.

“Sustainability is now at the forefront of many of our customers’ agendas,” he said. “Many seek both guidance and practical support as they grapple with the complexities of the energy market, particularly in the face of fluctuating costs and increasing regulatory demands.

“We’re proud to provide the expertise and funding support that seeks to help them achieve both and deliver on their strategy.”

Looking ahead, Lombard plans to expand both its renewable energy team capabilities and its partnerships to help businesses continue their transition.

“We are committed to broadening our support for customers managing the energy transition through innovative funding solutions and stronger industry partnerships,” Edwards said. “We plan to continue deepening our partnerships with customers and industry specialists, all with the aim of driving progress throughout the sector.”

Reflecting on the Finance Connect Summer Awards, Kilheeney said the evening demonstrated the strength and collaborative nature of the specialist finance community.

“The Awards Evening was a fantastic opportunity to reconnect with colleagues and celebrate the remarkable achievements across the industry,” he said.

“I’d also like to commend Finance Connect for the outstanding role it plays in bringing the industry together and elevating its profile as a key enabler of British business. Its efforts in fostering collaboration and showcasing the sector’s critical contributions are truly invaluable.”

For Lombard, winning the Environmental, Social and Governance Award is recognition that sustainable finance is about more than funding individual projects. By combining specialist expertise, strong partnerships and practical financial solutions, the business seeks to help customers build resilience, improve efficiency and make meaningful progress on their long-term sustainability ambitions.