Two members of the team at Basingstoke-based SME finance provider Asset Advantage are saddling up for an epic charity cycling challenge from London to Amsterdam.
Emma Edwards and Hannah Berry from Asset Advantage’s documentation and payouts team will be taking part in the AFPA Trust BIG Cycle 2026, cycling from London to the Dutch capital alongside riders from across the asset finance sector and business community.
The duo from Asset Advantage will be cycling in aid of local Basingstoke charity The Camrose Centre, which provides a drop-in centre for those sleeping rough, who are homeless or vulnerably housed in the local area. The charity also distributes tents, sleeping bags and rucksacks to homeless people in Basingstoke and helps provide access to physical and mental health services through local GP drop-in sessions. That is in addition to providing information and assistance with legal, financial and addiction issues.
The charity is reliant on gifts, donations and grants to keep up its vital work in the local community.
The cycling challenge follows the overwhelming success of last year’s event where £43,000 was raised for 11 charities. This year promises to be the biggest event yet.
For nearly two decades, Asset Advantage has been providing business finance to UK SMEs through asset finance and business loans. Funding is typically used for a wide variety of business cases such as expansion, business acquisition and both management buy-outs and buy-ins (MBOs & MBIs). While operating nationally, the business is proud to be a longstanding part of the Basingstoke community.
Emma said: “I’ve always loved sport and being outdoors, so when the chance came to cycle from London to Amsterdam, I jumped at it. I’m looking forward to sharing the experience with the other riders and supporting a cause that makes a real difference in our community.”
Hannah adds: “Larger charities often receive a lot of attention and donations, so it’s meaningful to be able to support a smaller organisation like the Camrose Centre. Being local to our offices, their work has a direct impact on the community around us, which makes it feel even more worthwhile to be involved.
Gary Thompson, sales director at Asset Advantage, said: “The AFPA Trust does tremendous work throughout the asset finance sector to raise vital funds for very worthy causes. The BIG Cycle Ride is no exception and promises to be another hugely successful event. It is great to see two of our colleagues joining peers from across the industry to take part in this epic challenge and we wish them every success.
“It certainly highlights the community spirit across Asset Advantage and emphasises the role we can play in the local area and the communities we serve. The Camrose Centre is a critical resource in Basingstoke, supporting the homeless community to access the supplies, services and assistance they so urgently need. We couldn’t be more proud to raise funds for them and we hope that our customers, partners and peers will get behind our colleagues, and all the riders, as they take on this challenge.”
Donations are now open and can be made via Emma and Hannah’s Just Giving fundraising link found here.
