- 12 providers of debt to UK SMEs first to be announced as finalists in the inaugural Growth Finance Awards
- Accolades for customer experience, use of technology, marketing and best workplace showcase the stand-out companies innovating in financial services
The first set of finalists in the 2019 Growth Finance Awards have been announced today across four people-centric award categories.
These four awards are designed to recognise the people behind the companies, shining a light on the teams making growth finance easier to access and understand, and financial services a more attractive and inclusive place to work.
It’s no secret that the business lending and lenders took a massive knock during the financial crisis. But every day, thousands of small businesses have positive interactions with growth finance providers that help them to achieve their ambitions — with an estimated £79.7 billion of external finance flowing into SMEs last year.
These 12 companies are championing growth finance and breaking down barriers to help capital flow into the ambitious businesses that need it the most. Innovating in financial services they are setting new standards and challenging behaviours and assumptions of business lending up and down the country.
The winner of these awards will be announced at an exclusive black-tie dinner hosted by Claudia Winkleman for 400 guests on Wednesday 11 September at the Royal Lancaster Hotel, London.
Best Marketing Campaign
These providers have delivered outstanding and impactful marketing campaigns to the SME market over the past 12 months, excelling in reach, impact, creative execution, innovation and customer feedback.
Finalists:
Funding Options
Henry Howard Finance
Barclays
Wyelands Bank
Best Customer Experience
These finalists have delivered a consistent brand experience to UK SMEs, challenging behaviours and assumptions of business lending. Measures taken into account include service standards, net promoter score, customer surveys and feedback.
Finalists:
Just Cash Flow
Simply
Henry Howard Finance
Growthdeck
Barclays Eagle Labs
Best Place to Work
This award celebrates a provider of growth finance with a clear and demonstrable focus on the employee experience. It recognises a company’s diversity and inclusion, training and development, glassdoor ratings, employee benefits and employee engagement.
Finalists:
Redwood Bank
Henry Howard Finance
Cubefunder
Growthdeck
Best Use of Technology
Using innovative technology isn’t just about boosting efficiency. This award will be presented to a provider of growth finance using technology to enhance the experience of its customers, empowering self-service, improving performance of the business and processes and user experience.
Finalists:
Crowd for Angels
Simply
Tide
Henry Howard Finance