A HOVE business is celebrating after winning a top national award - for the fifth year running.

Close Brothers Invoice Finance has again been named the UK’s Best Factoring and Invoice Discounting Provider at the 18th annual Business Moneyfacts Awards.

It is based at Ridgeland House, 165 Dyke Road.

The awards celebrate excellence in the business and commercial finance sector.

Professionals from leading financial institutions and trade bodies across the country gathered at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London.

Close Brothers beat nine other companies to protect its position as the best provider of factoring and invoice discounting in the UK.

Finalists were judged against rigorous research and expert feedback to ensure that each award was presented to the company which has offered the best products, highest levels of service or greatest innovation over the last 12 months.

CEO David Thomson said: “We’re delighted to have been awarded the Moneyfacts Best Factoring and Invoice Discounting Provider Award for the fifth year in a row.

“Given the strong competition Close Brothers was up against in the invoice finance category, it is a terrific achievement to defend our position as the best provider in the industry.

“As a local employer, we are proud of the dedication and commitment our team consistently demonstrates to give SMEs improved access to appropriate funding.

“We understand that cashflow is vital for SMEs to continue trading and grow.

“That is why we work hard to get to know our clients’ businesses and increase awareness of the benefits of invoice finance as a sustainable form of business funding.

“I would like to take this opportunity to extend my sincere thanks to all of our customers and intermediaries for their continued support.”

Close Brothers Invoice Finance is an independent provider of invoice finance to both SMEs and large businesses throughout the UK, Ireland and Germany.

It is a member of Close Brothers Group Plc, a UK merchant banking group providing lending, deposit taking, wealth management services and securities trading. It employs more than 3,000 people, principally in the UK, is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a member of the FTSE 250.