The academy – which launched in 2014 – provides free workshops to educate brokers on new products in the market, changing regulation and varying customer needs.

From this year, brokers who participate in the academy will be awarded a certificate from the National Association of Commercial Finance Brokers (NACFB), which counts towards their CPD.

The programme for 2018 will cover sales skills, the regulatory environment and the principles of asset finance.

The 116 places for this year's programme were filled within three days.

Carl D'Ammassa, group managing director of business finance at Aldermore (pictured above), said: “We are delighted to be training our 500th broker.

“Brokers play a crucial role in ensuring that companies have access to the products that truly meet their individual needs.

“We believe there has never been a better time to be a broker – the UK SME industry is going through such an exciting period, and business owners are looking to seize on the opportunities on offer.

“It is, therefore, crucial that brokers have the best possible knowledge at their fingertips – and that is the role the broker academy is looking to play.

“Aldermore will always value the role that broker's play in the industry, and will continue to do what we can to support that partnership to deliver the best possible service to UK SMEs.”