Wales’s largest independent finance house Henry Howard Finance has been recognised for its innovative and ‘game-changing’ business approach in its latest industry award.

The Newport-based finance house which provides a range of tailored lending options for SMEs across the UK, has scooped the Finance Monthly Game Changer Award 2017, which focusses on the achievements of fast-growing and innovative British businesses.

Winners of the annual award are determined by the views of thousands of voters - including investors, analysts, C-level executives, employees and media professionals - before researchers shortlist businesses based on key achievements, including profit or revenue growth, market expansion or launching innovative products.

Mark Crook, group chief operating officer of Henry Howard Finance, said: “To be recognised by Finance Monthly for our work is a fantastic honour and is a great way for us to kick-start 2017. Industry opinion remains a core priority for us so we’re pleased to have had such positive feedback.”

HHF is hoping that success comes in threes, after also being shortlisted for two other awards. The company beat more than 300 other applicants in the financial technology industry to make the shortlist of Financial Sector Innovation of the Year award at this year’s FSTech Awards, and has also been nominated for Asset Based Finance Broker of the Year at the Business Moneyfacts Awards 2017, the UK’s largest business finance awards ceremony.

These successes follow a triumphant 2016 that saw HH Vendor Finance, a specialist lender for the telecommunications sector, scoop the title of Best Channel Business Service at the Comms National Awards, as well as Comms Business Channel Product of the Year: Professional Services at the Comms Business Awards.

A key ingredient to the company’s recent success has been the creation of ‘HowApp’, a deal management portal that allows vendors to set up finance packages tailored to their clients’ needs, in as little as 20 seconds.

“Since we started business more than 20 years ago, we’ve looked to be innovative in every market we’re involved in,” said Mr Crook.

“That includes developing ‘How App’, which has given customers of HHF the opportunity to set up credit agreements both quickly and safely, thanks to anti-money laundering, fraud and ID checks.

“We intend to define our 2017 and beyond with further growth and award success, while maintaining and improving our emphasis on customer service – something that helped us get to where we are today.”

Henry Howard Finance is one of the UK’s leading business finance providers for SMEs, supporting more than 20,000 UK businesses across a variety of sectors.