The Finance Connect Summer Awards 2026

Welcome to the Finance Connect Summer Awards 2026

Now in its fifth year, the Finance Connect Summer Awards have become a cornerstone of the asset finance calendar — a prestigious evening dedicated to recognising excellence, celebrating success, and shaping the future of our industry.

On Tuesday 7 July 2026 from 6:00pm, the finance community will come together at City Central at the Honourable Artillery Company, London, for an unmissable night of recognition, networking and celebration.

This is your opportunity to join peers, partners and pioneers in acknowledging the standout achievements of individuals, teams and organisations across the auto and equipment finance landscape.

“Celebrating innovation and industry best practice in auto and equipment finance.”

Nominations are now open

Nominations for the Finance Connect Summer Awards 2026 are officially open.

And this year, the awards are bigger than ever.

View all categories and submit your nomination: https://afcawardsuk.com/

For 2026, the programme has expanded to 22 award categories across five distinct groups, including eight brand-new awards designed to spotlight areas of the finance community that have never previously had their moment on stage.

The refreshed structure reflects how the industry truly operates today. Whether you’re a provider, broker, compliance lead, technology innovator, ESG champion or rising talent, there is a category designed with you in mind.

The five award groups are:

• Community
• Company
• Team
• Personal Achievement
• Planet

Commenting on the launch, Finance Connect CEO Edward Peck said: “The Summer Awards have always been about celebrating the people and businesses raising standards across our industry. This year, we’ve taken that a step further.

“By introducing new categories — particularly across receivables finance, innovation, customer experience and SME growth — we’re recognising areas that are shaping the future of finance but haven’t always had their moment in the spotlight.

“We want every part of the community to see themselves represented here. If you’re driving progress, building culture, leading with integrity or delivering outstanding service, there is now a category for you.”

Honouring excellence across the industry

Each award is carefully assessed by an independent panel of respected industry experts, ensuring a rigorous and transparent selection process.

From long-established accolades such as CEO of the Year, Lifetime Achievement and Rising Star, to new categories recognising AI & Data Innovation, Customer Experience & Service Excellence, and SME Growth Partner of the Year, the Finance Connect Summer Awards shine a spotlight on the incredible talent, innovation and dedication within the asset finance industry.

In addition to the main awards, the evening will also feature the AF50UK Awards and the AF Broker 30 Awards, recognising further excellence across the sector.

“These awards shine a spotlight on the incredible talent, innovation, and dedication within the asset finance industry.”

Edward Peck, CEO of Finance Connect

An unmissable evening of celebration

Set within the historic grounds of the Honourable Artillery Company, City Central provides the perfect backdrop for a night to remember. The evening includes:

• Private vintage funfair: Step back in time and enjoy unlimited rides and games including Dodgems, Carousel, Big Wheel, Ring Toss, Coconut Shy and more. The funfair is open before and after dinner.
• All-inclusive drinks: Relax and enjoy house wine, bottled beer, and soft drinks throughout the evening — all included.
• Three-course gala dinner: A beautifully curated meal with full table service, followed by coffee and petit fours.
• Summer Awards ceremony: Celebrate excellence across the asset finance sector as we reveal the winners of this year’s awards. In addition to the main awards, the evening will feature: AF50UK Awards and AF Broker 30 Awards.
• After-party with DJ and dancefloor: Once the formalities are complete, head to the dancefloor as our DJ keeps the energy high late into the night.
• Late night snacks and midnight bar: Light bites will be served as the celebrations continue, with the bar open until 12:30 AM.

“Since launching in 2022, the Finance Connect Summer Awards have rapidly grown into a must-attend event, bringing together over 600 industry leaders from the UK auto and equipment finance sector. This year promises to be bigger and better than ever!”

Eva Lindsay, COO of Finance Connect

Sponsor the Finance Connect Summer Awards 2026—the premier celebration of excellence in the asset finance industry. Align your brand with innovation and excellence by sponsoring an award or hosting a table, giving you direct access to senior industry figures in a prestigious setting. To discuss tailored sponsorship opportunities, contact: Joe Nilsson, Finance Connect’s Business Development Director at joenilsson@finance-connect.com

Book your table now: https://afcawardsuk.com/

We look forward to receiving your nominations and celebrating with you this summer.

See you at the Finance Connect Summer Awards 2026.