As ever, who was seen doing what, with whom on the night was almost as interesting as unveiling the winners themselves.

Elsewhere, the theft of more than £90,000 resulted in a two-year jail term for an unscrupulous estate agent while the continued debate around the digitisation of the mortgage market continues to draw attention – from new businesses and high street giants alike.

And the buy to let portfolio market got slightly clearer this week as Coventry Building Society confirmed it would remain a portfolio lender once new rules kick in.

British Specialist Lending Awards gallery: the night in pictures

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All the winners of the first-ever British Specialist Lending Awards

Estate agent jailed for theft and dishonesty

Digital mortgage firm plans advice shake-up with Atom Bank hire

HSBC ‘investing deeply in digital’ – One to One with Tracie Pearce

Coventry BS commits to portfolio BTL but Leeds and Virgin undecided

Lender readies to launch into second charge mortgages – exclusive

Digital advice start-up Mortgage Gym secures £2m in funding

Investors launch rescue bid for Co-op Bank

Breezeplus ups staffing 40% to tackle problems but offers no apology