Our Business Commitments
We want to be a more helpful bank - for businesses as well as individuals. That means making clear what we offer our business customers. Customer feedback highlighted three key support areas of importance to business customers: access to credit and working capital support, clarity around where they stand with us as well as understanding and support for their business.
Our Business Commitments set out what you have the right to expect in these three areas. Please click on the 'Expand' link below to read more about each of our commitments.
Our Commitments will help us achieve our ambition to become a more helpful bank.
These commitments will be reviewed and updated on a regular basis.
Access to Credit and Working Capital Support
What can you expect from us in terms of access to credit?
- We will continue to make credit available to sound businesses.
- We will assist the cash flow and working capital of SME(Small and medium enterprises) by committing to maintain overdrafts for the full term of the facility (unless there is a breach of the terms).
- If your small business loan application is unsuccessful then a clearly defined appeals process will be available to you.
- We offer all Business customers the option of an annual review which includes all credit facilities and security.
Clarity around where customers stand with us
What do you have the right to expect from us?
- We will clearly explain the cost, and terms and conditions of your credit.
- We will clearly explain the factors that influence the price of your loan.
- We will tell you how long it is likely to take to process your loan application and give you our decision.
Understanding and support for business
What support can you expect from us?
- Practical support for new businesses - Free transactional banking for start-ups for the first two years* and an online support programme, developed by businesses.
- Support for local businesses - A commitment not to close any of our 236 branches, and where we’re the only branch in your town, we will maintain our opening hours – we will remain a key part of the local business community in these towns.
- Open for business – extended branch opening hours for new and existing business customers.
- The continued development of smallbusinesscan.com, an independent free online service site that offers business insights, plus the ability to swap experience and make business contacts.
* Available to businesses under 36 months and customers must open a Business Current Account. Fee free applies to transactions during the first 2 years from the date when the account is opened. Terms and conditions apply. Charges for additional services apply please see our brochure ‘A Guide to Business Current Account Fees’ ask in branch or business centre for more information.