UK ASSOCIATION OF THE YEAR
AXREM
In recent years, AXREM has undergone an extraordinary transformation. From a small trade body with limited visibility, we have evolved into a dynamic, member driven association that delivers demonstrable value, drives change, and builds bridges across healthcare. 2024–2025 marks a significant milestone for AXREM one defined by growth, innovation, engagement, and sector wide impact.
Our growth speaks volumes. Since 2019, AXREM has increased its membership from 16 companies to 80 a 400% growth. In 2024 alone, we welcomed 25 new members, and we’ve already added 10 more in 2025. AXREM is a small but mighty team. From just one part-time team member in 2019, we’ve grown to six (two full-time, four part-time), giving us the agility and reach to represent members across more forums than ever before.
AXREM is no longer just a trade association we are a trusted partner, progressive voice, and unifier in the UK’s healthcare technology sector. We have transformed how our members engage with each other, with government, and with the NHS. We’ve built an engaged, inclusive, and forward thinking community and we’ve done it all with a small team that have big ambitions.
British Beer and Pub Association
The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) represents over 90% of UK brewers and over 20,000 pubs, supporting a million + and contributing £34 billion to the economy. After several years of political turmoil, the election of a new government and Parliament meant there was an urgency to re-explain the economic and wider social and cultural value of this vital national sector.
Through unified industry collaboration, strategic government engagement, and a powerful public narrative, the BBPA achieved significant wins: including the only economic sector to achieve a tax cut at the Autumn 2024 Budget, along with a commitment to permanent business rates reform. Over 200 MPs were engaged, and more than 50,000 constituent letters influenced policy decisions. National media coverage amplified real stories from publicans, building widespread support.
The BBPA’s timely sector briefings and research have helped boost member satisfaction to 85% and increasing membership by 10%.
With evidence-led advocacy, clear strategy, and passionate leadership, BBPA has not only protected but advanced the UK pub and brewing industry. In a tough political and economic environment, our work has safeguarded livelihoods, preserved British culture, and reshaped the future of pubs.
British Insurance Broker’s Association
The British Insurance Brokers’ Association (BIBA) is the UK’s leading body representing insurance brokers and intermediaries, with around 1,800 member firms. Brokers arrange the majority of general and commercial insurance in the UK and contribute significantly to the economy.
BIBA launched its 2025 Manifesto, Partnering to Deliver Value, to highlight the role of brokers in fostering resilience and growth, and to call for action on key issues like flood, cyber insurance, skills, and access to insurance.
BIBA’s Initiatives such as the “Ben the Broker” national campaign aim to promote the benefits of brokers to SMEs.
BIBA also hosts its flagship annual Conference, the UK’s largest insurance event, along with webinars accredited for professional development.
The Find Insurance Service connects customers, including vulnerable groups, to BIBA member firms, with over 434,000 enquiries in the past year.
BIBA’s annual Tour of the Regions and ongoing collaboration with government and regulators, such as the FCA, reinforce its role as a vital advocate and support system for its members. Through lobbying, education, promotion, and business facilitation, BIBA continues to champion the insurance broking sector.
Builders Merchants Federation
The Builders Merchants Federation stands out as a leading trade association.
It is a modern, forward-thinking organisation, able to adapt to the changing needs of the industry while driving forward tangible and sustainable improvements for its members.
Through proactive leadership, advocacy, and a focus on delivering value, the BMF has made an indelible impact on the construction sector, and its continued efforts to push for change, growth, and innovation are evident in the results achieved.
We believe that our strategic direction, commitment to membership satisfaction, and the demonstrated success of our initiatives make us a strong contender for the UK Association of the Year Award.
Our ongoing work to elevate the sector, promote best practices, and ensure the success of our members underscores the exceptional value we provide and our continued commitment to excellence in all we do.
Our vision is clear: to be the leading voice for the building materials sector, responding to challenges, championing innovation, and creating tangible benefits for members.
We are committed to representing the diverse and dynamic businesses in our sector and providing members with the tools, knowledge, and support they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving market.
National Association of Commercial Finance Brokers
The National Association of Commercial Finance Brokers (NACFB) is the UK’s largest trade body for commercial finance intermediaries, representing over 1,300 broker firms and 160 lenders. In 2024–2025, the NACFB facilitated over £26.5 billion in SME lending—70% of all broker-led transactions in the UK. We deliver tangible member value through exclusive leads, compliance support, professional development, and industry advocacy.
In 2025, our record-breaking Commercial Finance Expo attracted over 3,000 delegates, reaffirming our role as the UK’s most influential broker network. We also expanded our Funding Future Growth events across the UK and launched a sector-wide education drive on regulatory issues such as business exemption and commission disclosure.
Our compliance hub now provides FCA support, templates, and CPD-accredited guidance, helping members thrive in a fast-changing landscape. Member satisfaction remains high, with 48% of leads from repeat clients and 33% of brokers expanding their services.
We’re also proud to support The Unbeatable Eva Foundation, raising vital awareness and funding for childhood brain cancer research.
By connecting brokers, influencing policy, and driving standards, the NACFB continues to shape the future of SME finance in the UK.
National Residential Landlords Association
The National Residential Landlords Association is the UK’s largest membership organisation for private residential landlords, supporting and representing more than 110,000 members.
Created by landlords, for landlords, we offer property professionals everything they need to run a successful and compliant business.
We have an average TrustPilot rating of 4.7 out of five from 3,331 reviews, proof we are delivering when it comes to supporting members. And it’s not just us saying that, with the organisation picking up 15 awards since the start of 2024.
Increasing membership by more than a third over the last five years, we have unveiled bold new corporate branding, outlining our dedication to ‘championing a responsible private rented sector’ that reflects landlords’ and tenants’ needs.
With almost 7,000 items of media coverage, including more than 144 TV, radio, print and online interviews, we are getting members’ voices out there to change the narrative when it comes to private landlords. We are also lobbying government for positive change when it comes to new legislation. With one eye on the future, we have committed significant resources to developing new tech to support members, with a new training app, launching in the coming weeks, set to revolutionise landlord learning.
Railway Industry Association
The Railway Industry Association (RIA) champions a dynamic UK rail supply sector. We help to grow a sustainable, and high-performing railway as well as promoting UK rail expertise and products to international markets.
Rail is key to UK economic growth, supporting both sustainable investment and jobs in cities, towns, and communities across the UK. For every £1 in the rail transport system, over £2.50 of value is generated in the wider economy. The railway industry contributes £41 billion in economic value and £14 billion in tax revenue each year, as well as supporting over 640,000 jobs throughout the UK. For every job in rail, a further four jobs is supported elsewhere in the UK economy. Every job in the rail supply chain is 29% more productive than the UK average, reflecting highly-skilled jobs in the sector,
RIA has over 400 companies in membership, active across the whole of the rail supply sector and covering a diverse range of products and services, including both multi-national companies and SMEs (60% by number). www.riagb.org.uk
The Manufacturing Technologies Association
The MTA has worked hard over the last year to live up to the core values of the association and support UK manufacturing through collaboration with our peers and growth in our business. We have expanded in terms of membership, staff and community and become a more effective organisation as a result.
Manufacturing is critical to creating a sustainable and secure foundation for the UK economy and we are proud to help our members build this foundation.
The Payments Association
The Payments Association (TPA) is the UK’s largest and most influential payments community, serving 237 members across the financial ecosystem. In 2023–24, it led a successful campaign against the Payment Systems Regulator’s proposed £415,000 fraud reimbursement cap, resulting in a revised, more proportionate £85,000 limit — a win for innovation and consumer protection.
TPA’s enhanced Payments Intelligence platform delivers member-driven insights through AI-powered trend analysis, consumer surveys, and regulatory briefings, achieving a 300% increase in read time and 57% member firm engagement.
Its accessibility reforms — from BSL training to neurodiverse-friendly events — have positioned TPA as a pioneer in inclusive practice. Meanwhile, its PAY360 event has grown to become Europe’s largest dedicated payments show, achieving a 71% rise in attendance and government recognition.
Internally, TPA has doubled in size while maintaining an agile, inclusive culture, reflected in a 79% staff satisfaction rate. Membership has grown 19%, supported by enhanced onboarding, thought leadership platforms, and direct engagement with policymakers.
From regulatory influence and inclusive leadership to industry visibility and member value, TPA consistently delivers measurable impact, making it a compelling contender for UK Association of the Year.
