AFPA Trust Unveils “BIG” Plans for 2024 and Beyond
The AFPA (Asset Finance Professionals Association) Trust is gearing up for an exciting year in 2024 with a series of “BIG” events designed to cultivate industry networking and charitable giving. As the leading charitable entity within the asset finance and leasing industry, AFPA Trust is renowned for its commitment to both causes.
“We’re excited to announce a calendar packed with ‘BIG’ celebrations this year,” confirms AFPA Trust Chair, Robert Taylor. Established favourites like the Big Quiz and Big IWD Lunch will return, joined by some exciting new additions: The Big Darts, The Big Golf, and The Big Shoot. “These events are designed to spark friendly competition between companies in the Asset Finance sector, all while raising money for industry-chosen charities.”
Building on the phenomenal success of the 2023 Big Quiz, the 2024 edition will return to the prestigious Royal Overseas League Club in London’s Mayfair on 23rd May. This year’s event promises to be even bigger, with increased prize money going towards the winners’ chosen charities. The pre-event welcome drinks will be sponsored by returning champions InterBay Asset Finance who are determined to retain the Rivermore Asset Finance donated AFPA Trust Big Quiz Trophy
The Big IWD Lunch, established earlier this year, will become an annual affair. The 2025 edition will take place on 6th March, at the Royal Overseas League Club. AFPA Trust Deputy Chair Aysha Ellis-Aziz emphasises their commitment to making “the IWD Big Lunch AFPA’s signature celebration of International Women’s Day within the asset finance industry.”
The 2025 lunch promises to be a powerful gathering, featuring 120 accomplished women from across the sector, inspiring speakers, and a unique lunch menu designed by none other than the 2019 MasterChef UK Winner and Women In The Food Industry ambassador, Irini Tzortzoglou.
Calling All Corporate Sponsors and Ambassadors
To ensure the success of this ambitious “BIG” event schedule, AFPA Trust is seeking Corporate Charity Partners from within the industry. These partners will have the opportunity to sponsor AFPA’s events and receive exclusive benefits, including discounts and priority entry and seating to the competitive “Big” events.
AFPA Trust is also excited to announce the launch of their Ambassador Programme. This initiative aims to build upon the charity’s strong foundation and propel their mission forward. Jane Bird from CGI and Ellese Jones from Catfoss Finance Limited have recently joined the ranks of AFPA Trust Ambassadors, actively involved in setting up networking events that raise money for charity, including the upcoming 2025 IWD Lunch.
For more information on AFPA Trust’s “BIG” events, becoming a corporate charity partner, or joining the Ambassador Programme, contact Robert Taylor, Chair of the AFPA Trust or Aysha Ellis-Aziz, Deputy Chairwoman.
The Asset Finance Professionals Association (AFPA) Trust, a renowned and impactful charitable organisation in the UK dedicated to establishing itself as the leading charitable entity within the asset finance and leasing industry, celebrated a remarkable success with its first-ever International Women’s Day Networking Lunch on Friday, 8th March, bringing together accomplished women from various companies within the asset finance and leasing sector. Simultaneously, AFPA Trust is pleased to announce the date for the 2025 edition, scheduled to take place at the prestigious Royal and Overseas League on Thursday, 6th March 2025.
The 2024 event, held at Smith’s Bar & Grill in Sheldon Square, London, was a jubilant occasion designed to celebrate the achievements and contributions of women in the industry. It featured a dynamic agenda, engaging discussions, and a delightful bottomless lunch, providing a warm and inviting atmosphere. Attendees were encouraged to actively participate by reaching out with questions, comments, or ideas, making the event truly collaborative.
The program, led by AFPA Trust Deputy Chairwoman Aysha Ellis-Aziz and Ambassador Jane Bird, included thought-provoking discussions on topics such as Women’s Empowerment in Finance, Career Development, Work-Life Balance, and Building a Supportive Community. Attendees actively participated in networking opportunities, encouraging collaboration and connection among the diverse group of professionals.
A notable feature of the event was the Charity Vote, where attendees had the opportunity to select their preferred charity from options including Women’s Aid, Smart Works, and The Fawcett Society. As a collective commitment to making a positive impact, £1,000 via AFPA Trust was chosen by the attendees to be donated to Smart Works, a UK charity which exists to give women the confidence they need to reach their full potential, secure employment and change the trajectory of their lives.
Aysha Ellis-Aziz expressed her gratitude, stating, “It was truly heartening to see us come together at the AFPA International Women’s Day networking lunch. Our aim was not only to create an enjoyable experience but also to derive significant benefit from our collective efforts. As this marked our inaugural event of this nature, and witnessing the tremendous interest and positive response, we are delighted to announce plans for a much larger gathering next year. It was particularly special to unite and collaboratively select a worthy charity deserving of the £1,000 donation in honour of International Women’s Day.”
The AFPA Trust is excited about the success of the inaugural event and looks forward to the 2025 edition, aiming to continue the tradition of bringing women in the industry together to celebrate achievements and inspire one another.
For further information about the Big AFPA IWD 2025 Lunch, please contact Aysha Ellis-Aziz or Jane Bird
