Rules of entry

• The British Credit Awards are open to any organisation or individual that offers relevant products and services globally
• For all categories, companies and individuals will need to highlight their work and achievements from within the last 12 months.
• Attachments are limited to 1 A4 Page only in any format per submission.
• The same submission is not allowed to be entered for multiple entries.
• Third party nominations are preferred for individual categories.
• Our judges reserve the right to validate all entries
• Strict word count on each part of criteria – 1250, split over 4 questions.

Criteria:

All entries will have 1250 words limit on each submission. They will each have 350 words maximum on three separate questions and will have 200 word maximum on: Opening Statement – why do you believe you should win this award?

Credit Team of the Year

Open to teams who have achieved operational excellence in any aspect of credit management delivery, in the public or private sector. This might include support functions, such as sales ledger, onboarding or billing for example. The judges will want to understand what has been achieved, how it has been achieved, and what the benefits have been. Entries will need to demonstrate the power of the team ethos and behaviours. • Opening Statement – why do you believe you should win this award? (200 words max) • What specific goals or challenges did your credit team successfully achieve or overcome during the judging period? • How did your team work together to deliver these results, and what behaviours or approaches contributed to your success? • What measurable benefits or positive outcomes have resulted from your team’s efforts—for your organisation, customers, or stakeholders?

Supplier of the Year

Open to suppliers to the credit management sector who are delivering innovative and effective solutions for credit teams in the public or private sector Entries should set out what the solution is, what benefits it has delivered and how the supplier and client have worked collaboratively to maximise those benefits.

Best Use of Technology

Recognising the best use of information and communications technology, this award is open to entries from across the credit management spectrum. Entries should demonstrate achievement in greater efficiency and/or effective implementation within agreed budgets and timetables over the last year.

Risk Management Team of the Year

Open to any fraud or risk manager, risk management team, or third-party provider in the private or public sector or internationally, that has made a significant contribution to the avoidance of fraud, advancement of risk management, or can demonstrate the benefits of a risk management programme.

Shared Services Team Provider of the Year

This award is open to any shared service provider supporting business with centralised activity. The provider might be in-house or a third-party external resource and the judges will be looking for best in class operations delivering effective and efficient solutions.

Debt Collection Team of the Year

Entries for this award can come from organisations providing third-party B2B or B2C debt collection services. They may be debt collection agencies or legal firms providing collection services. The judges are looking for evidence of the best performance within the sector, not only in terms of monies collected but also best use of employee reward, technology, customer satisfaction & integrity, including innovative approaches to niche sectors or markets.

Law Firm of the Year

This award is open to law firms providing legal services to the credit industry. The judges will be looking for evidence of the highest quality service and appropriate solutions, showing how they contribute to better outcomes for the client.

Supporting the Community Award

This award is open to any individual or team who shows commitment to making a difference in their community, promotes a charitable cause, or ‘gives back’ in any other way. It recognises commitment of time and energy to help others.

Rising Star Award

The judges will be looking for an individual, two years or less into their career in credit, who has delivered exceptional performance in their role. They will show that they are already punching significantly above their weight and are committed to a career in credit or collections. They will have made a real difference since they arrived on the scene, and results will clearly illustrate their impact.

Technology Development Award

Recognising the development of information and communications technology, this award is open to entries from across the credit management spectrum. Entries should demonstrate achievement in greater efficiency and/or effective implementation within agreed budgets and timetables.

Innovation of the Year Award

This award is for organisations or teams who have adopted innovative change of any sort to enhance their effectiveness and strength. The judges will want to see evidence of well thought-through change designed to improve the business in any part of the credit arena.

Global Credit Operations Award 

This award is open to teams who have achieved operational excellence in any aspect of credit management delivery globally, or in an overseas location. This might include support functions, such as sales ledger, onboarding or billing, for example. The judges will want to understand what has been achieved, how it has been achieved, and what the benefits have been. Entries will need to demonstrate the power of the team ethos and behaviours.

Team Player of the Year Award

This award is for individuals who have selflessly dedicated their time, energy, and talents to make a positive difference in their team. These individuals may have worked quietly behind the scenes, without seeking recognition or expecting any rewards for their actions. This is the chance to celebrate their contribution and value to the organisation.

Credit Professional of the Year Award

This is the ultimate accolade and is awarded to an inspirational role model in recognition of outstanding professionalism in the Credit Industry. Judges will be eager to see entries for candidates who have delivered tangible and measurable improvements in their specialist area over the last 12 months. They will have to show a consistent and rigorous approach to professional development and training, and demonstrate a structured, considered and socially responsible approach to their business.

Outstanding Contribution Award 

 This prestigious award recognises an individual who has made a significant and lasting impact on the credit industry. Open to professionals at any career stage, the award honours those who have driven positive change, shown exceptional leadership, or made influential contributions through innovation, advocacy, or service. Judges will look for a demonstrable legacy of achievement, commitment to excellence, and a clear influence on industry standards, practices, or people.

Lender of the Year Award

This award recognises a lender that has shown exceptional performance, innovation, and commitment to customer outcomes over the past year. Open to all types of lenders across consumer and commercial finance, judges will be looking for strong results, responsible lending practices, and a focus on customer care. Evidence of innovation, positive impact, and adaptability to market or regulatory changes will strengthen entries.

Enforcement Team of the Year Award 

This award recognises an enforcement team that has delivered outstanding results while maintaining fairness, professionalism, and sensitivity—particularly when dealing with vulnerable customers. Open to teams across the credit, collections, and enforcement sectors, judges will look for evidence of effective outcomes, ethical practices, innovation, and collaboration. Strong entries will demonstrate a balance between compliance, performance, and a people-first approach.

Excellence in Supporting Vulnerable Customers Award

This award recognises an organisation or team that has shown exceptional commitment to identifying, supporting, and delivering positive outcomes for vulnerable customers. Open to all businesses across the credit industry, judges will be looking for clear strategies, training, and innovations that ensure fair treatment and meaningful support. Strong entries will highlight measurable impact, customer-centred approaches, and a culture of empathy and responsibility.

Sir Roger Cork Prize

An annual award presented to the candidate who achieved the highest aggregate CICM examination pass-marks within the calendar year 2025.

Excellence in Credit Management

CICM Excellence in Credit Management status is the Chartered Institute of Credit Management’s highest accolade. The professional body awards this accreditation only to organisations that can demonstrate they meet specific challenging criteria as confirmed by the Institute’s Executive Board. Successful applicants will achieve Excellence in Credit Management for a period of 2 years from the date the accreditation is granted.