Published: November 3, 2020
Unity Trust Bank has been shortlisted in the Socially Responsible Lender of the Year category at this year’s NACFB’s annual Patron Awards.
The National Association of Commercial Finance Brokers is the UK’s largest independent trade body for commercial finance brokers with more than 2,000 members and 140 lender patrons.
The winners for 2020 will be announced at a ‘virtual’ awards ceremony on Thursday, November 26.
Linda Martin, Regional Manager at Unity Trust Bank said: “We are delighted to have been shortlisted for Socially Responsible Lender of the Year as well as BDM Team of the Year and Development Lender of the Year.
“Unity Trust Bank became a patron of the NACFB in July 2019 and our relationship has enhanced our brand awareness in the SME commercial sector, which in turn has led to new lending opportunities and subsequent growth for the bank.”
Established 36 years ago, Unity Trust Bank only lends to businesses and organisations that deliver social value.
In 2019 Unity delivered £115m of loans and a further £50m in the first 6 months of 2020.
Last year’s lending enabled the provision of 1,188 bed spaces, provided housing for 437 people, protected or created 672 jobs and developed 28 community facilities.
Unity also works closely with Responsible Finance intermediaries to ensure that smaller community-focused businesses, social enterprises and charities are able to access affordable finance. In 2019, Unity distributed £13.6m to 278 organisations and a further £12.5m to 207 organisations in the first half of 2020.
In 2020 the COVID pandemic brought unprecedented challenges and Unity was committed to helping customers; by supporting Responsible Finance providers to deliver CBILs support, including £7.5m to the Business Enterprise Fund which helped 150 businesses.
This year Unity also donated £9,400 to charitable causes, including emergency COVID support for the Big Issue.
Corporate Responsibility sits at the core of Unity’s business, and the bank’s operations and practices are aligning to globally recognised UN Sustainable Development Goals.
