Words from the forthcoming NACFB Commercial Finance Expo’s sponsors

Shawbrook Bank has announced that in addition to being the principal sponsor of the National Association of Commercial Finance Brokers (NACFB) throughout 2014, they are also one of the headline sponsors, along with Close Brothers Business Finance and Bridgebank Capital, at the forthcoming NACFB Commercial Finance Expo on Wednesday 25th June 2014 at the NEC, Birmingham.

A leading advocate for the sustainability of the commercial finance industry, Shawbrook will be present at NACFB’s events during the year, with a strong attendance planned at the NACFB’s flagship Expo in Birmingham. Representing the bank at the expo will be the Shawbrook Commercial Mortgages and Shawbrook Asset Finance teams. The two divisions have been working with NACFB brokers since the bank’s launch in 2011 and will combine at the Expo for the benefit of financial intermediaries from around the country.

Adam Tyler, CEO of the NACFB, said: “The NACFB is proud to be working with Shawbrook Bank, our headline sponsor throughout 2014, toward the promotion of transparency, best practice and the raising of standards – all of which are crucial for the long term health of our industry. We have an exciting year ahead and look forward to working with the Shawbrook team to realise our collective goals.”

Stephen Johnson, managing director of commercial mortgages, Shawbrook Bank, said: “Intermediaries stand at the heart of our business and our sponsorship of this headline event is yet another expression of support for our partners at the NACFB. Our teams share many common goals and we strongly believe in the work the NACFB is doing to support its members. We look forward to seeing as many of our broker partners as possible at the NEC in June”

Managing director of Close Brothers Business Finance, Richard Briscoe added: “The 2014 NACFB Commercial Finance Expo is the biggest event in our calendar, and we are delighted to be on board as sponsors again this year.

“This event is all about doing business. It’s a great opportunity for us to get in front of our network of brokers and raise awareness of the wide range of funding options available to them.

“There is a vast lending gap that is increasingly being filled by alternative lenders like ourselves but our research shows that 31% of UK SMEs are still unaware of asset finance and the benefits it can bring to their business. Events like these are so important as they give us the opportunity to address that,” he added.

Richard continued: “The expo will welcome small businesses and brokers from the length and breadth of the country and we are very much looking forward to getting the opportunity to further increase awareness of alternative sources of funding.”

As a long standing patron of the NACFB, Bridgebank Capital is proud to offer its support to the organisation and this well established event, through sponsorship of the delegate bags.

Bridgebank Capital looks forward to meeting with brokers at the event to discuss how we can assist with their bridging requirements.

Regarding sponsorship of the delegate bags, Claire Pender, head of marketing commented: “We are delighted to once again be afforded the opportunity to be part of this fantastic industry event. The NACFB Commercial Finance Expo attracts a significant number of brokers and provides a fantastic opportunity to network with the broker community. We would encourage all broker introducers to register to attend this event”.

This year will see the event expand to include pre-dinner drinks the evening before and a Small Business Workshop for the Birmingham area, to highlight the funding choices available to SMEs.