STOCKPORT-BASED lending company Savvy.co.uk has been named as the UK’s Best Responsible Lender at this year’s Credit Strategy Awards.
The lender beat off stiff competition from the likes of Amigo Loans, Barclays Partner Finance and Homestyle Nationwide to take top honours at the event, which was held at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London.
The company which was set-up 10-years ago in owner Mark Bowker’s spare room now employs 25 people at its Stockport offices.
Mark, said: “The award is a big accolade and is well deserved. It comes on the eve of our negotiations with a number of overseas banks for additional backing to make us the biggest provider of unsecured loans for anyone with problem credit in the UK.
“When I first launched the business back in 2007, I wanted to offer an ethical loan option for credit impaired applicants. Savvy.co.uk was born out of my frustration with mainstream lenders, as well as the growth of pay-day style lenders looking to exploit those with a poor credit rating.
“To be recognised as a responsible lender by the Credit Strategy Awards is a huge honour, and one that will be shared by all at our Wilmslow HQ.”
The judges said: “Savvy articulated an industry leading and truly responsible approach to lending both in terms of its business model and its practice through the credit lifestyle.
“The judges thought the entry showed the best lending policy on affordability and assessing proof of income for applicants.
“Savvy deserves this award.”
Savvy.co.uk offers loans from £300 to £3,000 which can be repaid between 12 and 24 months to UK applicants who may other be restricted from affordable, sustainable and ethical credit.
It has a current loan book of over 11,000 live customers and has lent more than £19m to date over 31,000 customers.