The ceremony was held at the end of an evening of entertainment, with comedy from Dominic Holland, and musical entertainment from the Abba Girls.

Amongst the winners, nominated by NACFB members in its annual survey, were Affirmative Finance, which won Short Term Funder of the Year, and BM Solutions, which won Buy-to-Let Mortgage Provider of the Year.

Commercial Mortgage Lender of the Year was awarded to Barclays Bank, whilst Business Bank of the Year went to Lloyds TSB. The winner of Specialist Lender of the Year was Close Brothers.   

Chief executive of the Association, Adam Tyler, said: “It’s been a tough year for brokers and lenders alike and we were absolutely thrilled by the number of members and Patrons who took the time to come along. The aim for this year’s Gala dinner was, for just one evening, to forget the troubles faced by the commercial finance industry and have a good time – and those who attended, did! Those lenders and funders who were nominated in this year’s awards are to be congratulated on supporting brokers in a hugely difficult market.”