On Thursday 5th May, an array of the banking industry’s best and brightest professionals gathered at the Sheraton Grand London Park Lane to celebrate being finalists at the eighth annual British Bank Awards.
The likes of Tembo, Chip, Newbury Building Society, Close Brothers, NewDay (Aqua) and many more brilliant businesses took their places in the ballroom, each hoping to take away the coveted winners’ trophies.
We were there!
As a passionate and expert partner to hundreds of financial services providers, from banks and building societies to fintechs and start-ups, we were truly honoured and excited to support such a prestigious event and jumped at the chance to get involved.
Barry, Ellie, Kirstie and Michael represented the MERJE team on the night, accompanied by guests from some of our wonderful clients – Aspinall FS, Addleshaw Goddard, John Laing, JBR Capital and Tandem Bank.
The evening kicked off with some welcoming champagne, followed by a delightful three course dinner and fantastic speeches from headline sponsor, Folio, and Jacqueline Dewey, CEO of event organiser Smart Money People. As reported by AltFi, Jacqueline said,
“With the awards 100 per cent voted for by consumers and no judging panel, the British Bank Awards truly reflect the best of the UK banking industry, and the commitment and engagement these organisations have from their customers.”
Everyone was well and truly entertained on the night, with performances from a contortionist act and the excellent Lucy Porter, who ably and comedically guided guests through the awards ceremony.
The winner takes it all…
Awards news included Monzo taking home three prizes: Best Banking App, Best Business Banking Provider, and knocking Starling Bank of the top spot to take home the highest honour of Best British Bank.
Starling didn’t lose out altogether though, holding onto their title of Best Current Account Provider and taking Best Children’s Financial Provider from previous winner GoHenry.
Right in the middle of the running order was our sponsored category of Best Ethical Financial Provider and after much anticipation, this honourable accolade was bestowed upon Triodos Bank, a very worthy winner!
Michael Brennan, Head of Client Services at MERJE, said,
“We chose to sponsor this category as it aligns well with our vision of promoting good business, both within our own company and our clients’ as well.
“Our own journey has involved recently becoming Good Business Charter accredited and a Disability Confident Committed employer and, for the finalists, even being nominated as Best Ethical Financial Provider is superb recognition of their passion for positive action.”
Kirstie Burn, our Director in Governance recruitment, had the pleasure of presenting the award to Triodos and added,
“Huge congratulations to Triodos, the winner of the award for Best Ethical Financial Provider! It was an honour to present such a prestigious award to a fantastic company and celebrate the best of the banking industry with them and all the other finalists and winners at the ceremony.”
You can read more about our recent good business accreditations here.
As well as rewarding the banking industry’s finest FS products, services, teams and initiatives, the evening involved a silent auction to raise money for the Ukrainian Humanitarian Appeal and a thriving after party with plenty of music, dancing and games to continue the celebrations into the night.
Oh what a night!
All in all, Smart Money People organised a truly magnificent evening honouring the greatest of the UK’s banking offering, ranging from the newest firms in the market to well-established household names, which truly showcases the fantastically diverse nature of our financial services market.
The MERJE team had a fabulous night and we very much look forward to celebrating with everyone at future awards ceremonies. Many congratulations to all the finalists and winners on the night!
