Open InVoice Finance celebrates Receivables Finance Broker of the Year award

As Finance Connect continues its series of interviews with winners from the Finance Connect Summer Awards 2026, we speak to Open InVoice Finance Ltd, the inaugural winner of the new Receivables Finance Broker of the Year award.

Introduced for 2026 as one of the first awards dedicated to the newly launched Receivables Finance Community, the category recognises specialist brokers delivering excellence in receivables finance advisory, client advocacy and lender partnership management.

“Winning the inaugural Receivables Finance Broker of the Year award is a huge honour and something we’re incredibly proud of,” he said. “Although the Receivables Finance Connect cohort is newly established, there’s already a real sense of engagement, collaboration and commitment from everyone involved. It’s exciting to be part of a group that’s helping to shape the future of the industry, and this recognition makes that even more special.”

Dodsworth attributes the firm’s success to its specialist focus and an approach built on education and long-term relationships.

“I’m unashamedly a specialist invoice finance broker,” he said. “Most of my clients come through recommendations, and that immediately gives them confidence that I understand the nuances of the solution and will look after both their interests and those of the lender. That approach has helped build long-term relationships and consistently deliver good and sustainable outcomes for clients.”

Alongside advising businesses, Open InVoice Finance has invested in educational resources, including FAQs, a glossary of terms and a myth-busting section on its website, helping businesses better understand when invoice finance is the right funding solution.

Reflecting on the wider market, Dodsworth said demand for receivables finance has remained relatively stable despite ongoing economic uncertainty.

“Demand has been relatively flat over the past year, reflecting the impact of broader global economic conditions on businesses,” he explained. “Traditional business loans remain readily available, but they are often significantly more expensive than invoice finance, aren’t always the most appropriate solution and frequently come with full personal guarantees.”

As the industry evolves, Dodsworth believes customer expectations are increasingly shaped by digital experiences in other sectors.

“We’re all less tolerant of time wasting and being bombarded with unnecessary information requests, and clients are no different,” he said. “They expect the same seamless experience they receive as consumers, with a straightforward, responsive and consistent customer journey from start to finish.”

Those changing expectations reinforce what he believes are the defining qualities of a successful broker.

“A successful broker today needs resilience, adaptability, patience and integrity,” he said. “Just as importantly, they need to listen carefully, understand what the client is trying to achieve and recommend the right solution rather than simply the easiest one.”

Looking ahead, education will remain a key priority for Open InVoice Finance.

“My ambition over the next 12 months is to continue educating and attracting new businesses to the invoice finance market,” said Dodsworth. “I also want to share more client success stories, not just about completing transactions, but about what those deals have enabled businesses to achieve further down the line and the lasting difference they’ve made to the people behind them.”

He also sees significant opportunities for innovation across the sector.

“Receivables finance will always be a relationship-led industry, and that’s one of its greatest strengths,” he said. “However, technology can help streamline processes, reduce administration and improve the client experience, allowing brokers and lenders to spend more time providing advice and building relationships rather than managing routine tasks.”

“Businesses continue to face significant challenges, and brokers play a vital role in helping them access the right funding solutions and make informed decisions,” he said.

“Congratulations to John on receiving the inaugural Receivables Finance Broker of the Year award, recognising his valuable contribution to the sector. This award reflects the expertise, professionalism and commitment demonstrated by brokers across the industry, and we look forward to continuing to celebrate the important role they play in supporting businesses and strengthening the wider receivables finance community.”