Simply Cup 2026: football, community & fundraising

Thursday 8th January 2026 marked the biggest and most energetic Simply Cup yet, as the asset finance community came together at Powerleague Battersea for a full day of competition, camaraderie, and charitable impact.

With 34 teams from across the industry, including two Leasing Lionesses sides, and supporters from every corner of the sector, the atmosphere was electric from the first kick to the final whistle. The level of play, sportsmanship, and community spirit made this year’s tournament one to remember.

The 2026 champions

After a fiercely contested day of matches, the winner of the Simply Cup 2026 was LGB & Co. Limited. LGB delivered an exceptional performance throughout the tournament and claimed the title in style. A huge congratulations to the team – a well-deserved win after an outstanding run.

Portman Finance Group were runners up, putting up a tremendous fight in the final, showcasing their quality and teamwork. A brilliant effort from a consistently strong Simply Cup contender.

Novuna Business Finance triumphed at the 2026 Simply Cup securing the Championship Plate in the competition.

The Giving League

This year also saw the launch of The Giving League, a new fundraising challenge running alongside the tournament.

With an impressive £1,365 raised, WSC take home the inaugural Giving League title – a remarkable contribution to Cancer Research UK.

Reflecting on the day, Mike Randall, CEO of Simply Asset Finance, shared: “I’m absolutely blown away by the turnout of this year’s tournament.

“Every year the Simply Cup keeps on growing, and so does the support from our friends who join us to take part. The atmosphere and spirit throughout the day was unmatched, and we’re so grateful for everyone who came along to play, cheer on their teams and support Cancer Research UK.

“A huge thank you to all our sponsors, your generosity made the event even more impactful for an important cause. The Simply Cup has grown into a flagship event in the industry calendar, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone back again next year.”

Teams and sponsors

The Simply Cup would not be possible without the generous support of its sponsors: Acquis, VIP Apps Consulting Limited, Lendscape, HH Business Finance, LGB & Co. Limited, Cynergy Business Finance, Arkle Finance Ltd, Haydock Finance Ltd, Novuna Business Finance, Paragon Banking Group PLC, and Metro Bank UK.

A massive thank you to all the teams who played with passion, spirit, and sportsmanship: Simply, Leasing Lionesses, Lendscape, Metro Bank, Tower Leasing, Arkle Finance, DF Capital, Cynergy Business Finance, Renaissance Asset Finance, Compass Business Finance, LGB & Co Limited, HH Business Finance, VIP Apps Consulting, Alfa Financial Software, Novuna Business Finance, Portman Finance Group, Liberty Leasing, Haydock Finance Ltd, United Trust Bank, Acquis, Lombard, Paragon Banking Group, Funding Circle, Funding Xchange, Propel Finance, Aldermore Bank, BPI, Investec, Reward Funding, InterBay Asset Finance, Hampshire Trust Bank, and WSC Finance Ltd.

Still time to donate

The fundraising doesn’t stop with the final whistle. There is still time to support the incredible work of Cancer Research UK. Donate here: https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/team/the-simply-cup-2026

Every contribution helps fuel life-saving research, and every pound counts.

The Simply Cup 2026 delivered everything the event stands for: friendly rivalry, community spirit, and unwavering dedication to a meaningful cause.

With record participation, new fundraising milestones, and the debut of The Giving League, this year’s tournament has set a new benchmark. The asset finance community showed once again that together, it can create extraordinary impact.

Here’s to another incredible Simply Cup – and to an even bigger tournament in 2027.