Other shortlisted banks in the category were Barclays, HSBC and Royal Bank of Scotland/Natwest.

Lloyds Bank Wholesale Banking & Markets, a business division of Lloyds Banking Group plc (LON:LLOY), has been named 'Business Bank of the Year' in recognition of its continued support for UK businesses for the seventh consecutive year. Other shortlisted banks in the category were Barclays plc (LON:BARC), HSBC Holdings plc (LON:HSBA) and Royal Bank of Scotland Group plc/Natwest (LON:RBS).

The Real FD/CBI Excellence Awards, supported by the CBI and the ICAEW, is one of the most high profile across the industry, canvasses more than 1,000 finance directors for their views on companies that provide services to UK businesses, including the level of support they have received from their bank, and the support they believe they will receive in the future.

As well as banks, the awards focus on the service provided by auditors, professional advisors and Government departments.

Diana Brightmore Armour, CEO Corporate Banking, Lloyds Banking Group said: "We want to be the best bank for corporates. Being recognised by Finance Directors for our support is testament that our approach is working.

"Winning the Bank of the Year Award seven years running is a fantastic achievement and one that we're very proud of and so we’d like to thank our customers for their ongoing support of Lloyds Banking Group."