The 2026 British Business Awards shortlist has been revealed. And, it’s a major win for the South East. Milton Keynes-based Century Business Finance has been named a finalist for Financial Services Company of the Year. This places the firm in direct competition with heavyweights, such as Vanguard and the Scottish Building Society.
This year’s awards saw a record-breaking 400 entries. Notably, the judging criteria focused on more than just the balance sheet. Firms were evaluated on innovation, customer impact, and, crucially for 2026, workforce culture.
Supporting the SME Engine
Founded in 2017, Century Business Finance has become a vital partner for UK small businesses. Since 2025 , they have helped more than 1,100 firms access the capital needed to scale.
More than half of their clients return for additional funding. So, it is clearly the “service-first” model that is resonating. As Ben Larkins, Co-Founder, puts it: “We’ve built Century with a clear focus on making business funding simpler… being recognised alongside some of the biggest names in UK business is a big moment for us.”
A Star-Studded Final for a Serious Cause
The ceremony takes place on 30 April in Edinburgh. Excitingly, it is set to be one of the biggest business gatherings of the year. Specifically, the event will feature appearances by George Clooney and Sir Bob Geldof, with host Rob Brydon at the helm.
Ultimately, the awards serve a dual purpose: celebrating commercial excellence while raising over £1 million for the homelessness charity Social Bite. As NatWest Group Chair Rick Haythornthwaite noted, businesses like these are “central to our economy, creating jobs and driving innovation.”
Recognition Drives Retention
In short, Century’s success proves that regional SMEs can compete on a national level when they prioritise long-term relationships over quick transactions. Therefore, as we look toward the final in Edinburgh, it serves as a reminder that the best businesses are built on a foundation of trust and service.
The C-Suite Step: Showing Your Team They Matter
Notably, as Century Business Finance has shown, being “shortlisted” is a massive boost for employee morale and company culture. If you are a C-level leader looking for your own way to show your team recognition and invest in their professional growth, there is no better platform coming up than the National Sales Conference (NSC), London.
As a final tip, you can still currently take advantage of Early Bird rates for the London event. Investing in your team’s development today could be the surest way to ensure your business is on an awards shortlist this time next year. But hurry, these discounted rates end on Friday 27 March. Don’t miss out!
