Published: October 19, 2020
Unity Trust Bank is aiming to be crowned ‘Socially Responsible Lender of the Year’ at the NACFB’s annual Patron Awards – and is calling for members’ votes.
The National Association of Commercial Finance Brokers, the UK’s largest independent trade body for commercial finance brokers with 2,000 members and 140 lender patrons, is holding a ‘virtual’ awards ceremony on Thursday, November 26.
Members have until Wednesday, October 21 to cast their votes.
Linda Martin, Regional Manager at Unity Trust Bank said: “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.
Other categories Unity has entered are BDM Team of the Year, Development Lender of the Year, Short-term Lender of the Year, Specialist Lender of the Year and NACFB Lender of the Year.
Cast your vote here: http://bit.ly/3iFEw82
