Amongst the winners – nominated by NACFB members in an annual survey – were Lloyds TSB, who won Business Bank of the Year and Commercial Mortgage Lender of the Year, and Link Lending, who won the Short Term Funder of the Year award.

Specialist Lender of the Year award went to Davenham Group Plc, Buy-to-let Mortgage Provider of the Year was awarded to BM Solutions, while Bibby Financial Services walked away with Factoring/Invoice Discounter of the Year. Lessor of the Year went to ING Lease (UK) Limited.

Commenting on the event, chief executive of the NACFB, Adam Tyler, said: “It’s been a very difficult year and it was so pleasing to see so many lenders and brokers at our Gala Dinner. The afternoon conference was a real success and a great panel discussion lifted the mood with some upbeat comments on 2009, which set the tone for a really enjoyable evening. We even had some of our Patron colleagues who are still unable to lend in attendance, and it gave everyone a real boost for what could be another difficult year.”