Metro Bank Asset Finance wins employee-voted workplace award

Finance Connect continues its series highlighting the winners of the Finance Connect Summer Awards 2026, with Metro Bank Asset Finance taking the spotlight after being named Best Auto or Equipment Finance Organisation to Work For, sponsored by Acquis.

Unlike many of the other Summer Awards categories, this accolade is voted for anonymously by employees, giving colleagues the opportunity to provide an independent assessment of their own workplace. Metro Bank Asset Finance’s success therefore reflects the genuine appreciation of its employees for the culture, opportunities and working environment the organisation has created.

For Nova Everidge, Director of Metro Bank Asset Finance, that makes the recognition particularly meaningful.

“At Metro Bank, our colleagues are at the heart of everything we do,” she said. “Our purpose is to empower customers and communities with a human approach to banking, and that starts with creating an environment where colleagues can thrive, develop and be themselves.”

Everidge believes Metro Bank’s relationship-led culture is an important differentiator, combining the ambition of a challenger bank with a genuine focus on people, wellbeing and inclusion.

“Our AMAZEING behaviours guide how we work together every day, helping us create an environment built on teamwork, trust and accountability,” she added.

Investing in careers

Attracting talented people is only one part of the equation. Metro Bank has placed considerable emphasis on providing opportunities for existing colleagues to develop and progress.

During 2025, nearly 300 colleagues were promoted across the business, while the bank expanded its apprenticeship programmes and invested in leadership development, specialist banking training and AI learning initiatives. This has included an MSc programme in Sustainable and Digital Banking.

“We attract talented people by offering something genuinely different,” Everidge said. “Our relationship banking model gives colleagues the autonomy to build lasting customer relationships while making a visible impact in their local communities.”

The bank’s focus on culture and career development has also contributed to a 95% offer acceptance rate, according to Everidge.

“We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone can succeed,” she said. “This has helped us achieve a 95% offer acceptance rate and attract experienced professionals who are looking for a workplace where culture matters as much as performance.”

Development driving engagement

Learning and development have also been important components of Metro Bank’s employee engagement strategy.

The bank has introduced initiatives including Service Excellence Coaches, leadership training, AI learning programmes and specialist training designed to help colleagues support vulnerable customers.

More than 880 customer-facing colleagues completed dedicated vulnerable customer training during 2025, which Everidge described as the largest learning initiative in Metro Bank’s history.

“The biggest impact has come from investing in colleague development, listening to feedback and creating opportunities for colleagues to contribute to our success,” she said.

Alongside formal development, colleague inclusion networks provide mentoring, networking and learning opportunities, helping foster a greater sense of belonging across the organisation.

Maintaining culture through transformation

Metro Bank itself has undergone considerable change in recent years, but Everidge believes retaining and developing its workplace culture has remained a priority throughout that transformation.

“As the business has evolved, we’ve focused on strengthening communication, empowering colleagues and investing in development,” she explained. “The result has been a culture with renewed energy, stronger engagement and greater confidence in our future direction.”

Diversity, equity and inclusion remain part of that approach, with Metro Bank expanding mentoring programmes and inclusion networks, improving accessibility in recruitment and working to increase representation within leadership.

“Our culture today is one that combines high performance with genuine care for people, reflecting the relationship banking approach that makes Metro Bank unique,” Everidge said.

Preparing people for the future

Looking ahead, Metro Bank intends to continue investing in the skills its workforce will need as banking and finance become increasingly digital.

Leadership development, digital capabilities and the opportunities created by AI and automation are among its priorities, alongside developing more diverse talent pipelines and providing clearer routes for career progression.

“Wellbeing, engagement and inclusion will remain central to our approach,” Everidge said. “We want every colleague to feel connected to our purpose, empowered to contribute and supported to achieve their full potential.

“Ultimately, our goal is to continue building a workplace where colleagues can grow, succeed and deliver the exceptional service that turns customers into FANS.”

Recognition from those who know the business best

Reflecting on the Finance Connect Summer Awards, Everidge said receiving the award was particularly meaningful because the recognition came from Metro Bank Asset Finance’s own employees.

“We were incredibly proud to receive the award for Best Auto or Equipment Finance Company to Work For,” she said. “It was especially meaningful because it reflects the views of our colleagues and the culture they experience every day. Receiving external recognition is a testament to the commitment, passion and dedication of our colleagues across the business.”

She added: “The event provided a great opportunity to connect with industry peers, celebrate success across the sector and recognise the importance of putting people at the centre of business performance. We would like to thank Finance Connect for a memorable evening and for recognising the work being done across the industry to create outstanding workplaces.”

“Congratulations to Metro Bank Asset Finance on being named the winner of the Best Auto or Equipment Finance Organisation to Work For award at the Finance Connect Summer Awards 2026,” Acquis said.

“As sponsors of this award, we were delighted to recognise a business that places its people, customers and partners at the heart of everything it does. All of the nominees were incredibly deserving, but it was particularly special for Jo from Acquis to present the award to Nova, one of her first leaders during her time at GE Capital.

“This award is a fantastic reflection of the expertise, collaboration and commitment of the Metro Bank Asset Finance team.”