A whole new meaning to the phrase ‘Christmas Cheer’

As one of the UK’s leading asset finance providers we have lots to celebrate.

The Asset Finance Solutions ‘Meet the Funders’ expo has swiftly become one of the most keenly anticipated dates in the AFS Christmas calendar and this year’s event, which was staged last Monday 12th December at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Birmingham, certainly lived up to everyone’s expectations with lots to cheer about as well as plenty of Christmas cheer to celebrate the company’s success.

This is the third time that this annual event has been held and every year it just becomes bigger and bigger as top asset finance providers we go from strength to strength.

For the company it is a key occasion in that it enables major funding partners, franchisees and HO staff to meet, network and socialize and over the years many excellent working introductions that were initially consolidated over a convivial Christmas drink have gone on to become valuable and profitable business relationships.

This year the assembly totalled over 150 delegates, including representatives from 30 of our funding panel.  As one of the country’s top asset finance providers we have to express our thanks and appreciation to our funders without whose continual support and contribution the event would not have the impact that it does.

As is now traditional the expo began with a full afternoon of networking when funders, franchisees and HO staff were able to mingle and get to know one another.

Following on from the serious side of the day we then all retired to the bar to enjoy some traditional Christmas cheer in the form of a glass or two and it was also time to hold the famous and much anticipated ‘AFS Christmas Jumper Competition’.

Once again this was a closely contested battle with a glittering array of bells, baubles and festive bling on display.  Not to mention the occasional carrot.  After much deliberation the judges awarded this year’s coveted prize to John Ward of Quantum, who literally dazzled the room when he proudly flashed his antlers.  (That is not a euphemism by the way!)

There was some disappointment however, when last year’s champion, Matt Vaughan, failed to step up to the mark to defend his title.  “Bah … Humbug” is the phrase that springs to mind.

Wrapping up the occasion most of the people who survived their time in the bar joined us for a delicious Indian banquet where we all celebrated the end of yet another hugely successful year.

2016 really has been a most significant year for Asset Finance Solutions that has seen us consolidate our position as a leading asset finance provider and among the many milestones as we continue to progress from strength to strength have been:

•   Breaking through the £200 million mark of lending to SME clients throughout the year.

• Expanding our Network to 60 franchisees with numerous ongoing discussions and

and future inductions planned.

So lots to cheer for everyone this Christmas, but we recognise that we could not have achieved this success without the support and efforts of our Network Members, Funder Partners and of course all our HO staff.  Now we are looking ahead to sustained growth and expansion throughout 2017 as we continue to expand our Network and see consistent organic growth from our existing Members.

And finally we would like to wish everyone a very merry Christmas, a happy New Year and a successful, peaceful and prosperous 2017.