Affiliate of the Year

This award recognises the invaluable support provided by many of our Affiliate member firms in various ways. While the efforts of one or two individuals often stand out, the award is presented to the firm as a whole, acknowledging the background support these representatives rely on.

The award is judged on several criteria, including significant activity in key areas, hosting and supporting events or consistently contributing to our affairs over an extended period.

No submission is required for this award.

Nominations are selected by the AREF Team. A vote then takes place by the AREF Board, Management Committee and Team to determine the winner.

2025 Nominees:

We are delighted to announce the nominees for the 2025 award:

• Accenture – Recognised for their outstanding support in delivering AREF’s From Commitment to Action events on building decarbonisation. Led by Oliver Light and the wider team, the January event brought together six speakers and ten table hosts across a range of roles, requiring extensive coordination and planning. A second event, Lessons and Solutions for Delivering Building Decarbonisation, is scheduled for November, and we’re grateful for their continued commitment to this important work.
• Aztec Group – Recognised for their sponsorship of AREF’s FUNDamentals training series, with special thanks to Ben Grainger and the team for their ongoing support. Ben and his colleagues consistently bring fresh ideas to the table, and we’re currently working together on developing a new breakfast series focused on Data and Tech.
• CMS – Recognised for their valuable and ongoing support of AREF’s activities. This includes their key role in the FUNDamentals training series, with special thanks to Darren Stolzenberg and Will Lawrence for not only speaking at the first two sessions but also preparing the content and presentations. CMS also hosted the final session of the Debt Series earlier this year, and regularly provide space for AREF meetings at their offices—often several each month—which is a huge help to the Association. A special shout out to Liz Overbury, whose friendly and efficient approach is so greatly received. 
• Mills & Reeve – Recognised for their vital sponsorship of the FutureGen Conference, stepping in at the last moment when no other sponsor had come forward. Their support made it possible for this important event—focused on the next generation of industry professionals—to go ahead. They are also contributing to the conference programme by running the session on fund structures.
• JTC Group – Recognised for sponsoring AREF’s flagship Annual Dinner for the second year running, and for their support during the transition of the event from the Savoy to its new home at Raffles. Their approachable and flexible way of working—particularly thanks to Natalie Smart—has made the process smooth and enjoyable for the AREF team.
• Jones Lang LaSalle – For the second consecutive year, JLL have generously hosted a drinks reception in their UKREiiF pavilion, providing AREF with a valuable platform to engage with potential investors. Their team consistently go out of their way to support the event, and we are especially grateful for their help in making it run so smoothly.
• S&W Group – Recognised for their generous support in hosting AREF’s Vision event in January and for sponsoring this year’s Summer Drinks Reception. Their continued engagement and hospitality have been greatly appreciated.

Winners will be announced at the AREF Annual Dinner & Awards in September, sponsored by JTC Group (read more here).

2024 Winner:

Winner: Citco

Nancy Thompstone of Citco collecting the award

Citco were nominated for:

• Taking the risk to sponsor the first AREF Conference.
• Hosting the first FutureGen An Evening With event featuring Andy Baum.

Nominees included:

• Aztec Group
• CBRE
• Knight Frank