Leasing World Recognition Award

The award was presented by Lord Mitchell, who until recently was Chairman of Syscap plc and is a member of the All Party Internet Group and Chair of the e-Learning Foundation.

Lord Mitchell introduced the award by delivering the following words:

"Last year started with Lehman Brothers going down, and any number of other large banks crashing, being bought out, or having to get State support to prop them up. A troubling aspect for leasing was how swift banks were to sell or jettison their leasing companies and portfolios for quick cash. Close Brothers, last of the UK’s traditional merchant banks, has not only kept its independence since the Big Bang in the 1980s , but didn’t succumb to the credit crisis, has always maintained its belief and commitment to leasing and asset finance with it’s leasing company Close Asset Finance, and even started the year by establishing a new company, Close Leasing, to provide greater coverage and increase lending to the business sector during the credit crunch."

Roger Stone, CEO of Close Asset Finance, was delighted to accept the award on the Company's behalf and his acceptance speech was highly appreciative of the dedication and hard work of all Close Asset Finance staff in growing the business during difficult times.

Visit www.leasingworld.co.uk for more information.