Finance event a success say banks

A unique event to get local business and banks together was a success according to the major High Street banks involved.

The ‘Meet the Banks' event was held on Monday 24^th May at the Basildon Centre and was run to enable local businesses to meet the key business managers from 4 major high street banks, and obtain finance.

Key people from Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds TSB and Natwest able to offer advice and tangible help on a wider range of business finance issues including:

• The Enterprise Finance Guarantee
• Business Loans
• Overdrafts
• Invoice Factoring

Graeme Cann, senior business development manager for Lloyds TSB Commercial in Essex and East London, said:

"This was an excellent idea by the Council, and we were able to show that we really are open for business.  We hope that the idea expands, and we would definitely want to be involved in an event like this in the future."

"Basildon businesses have faced unprecedented challenges over the past two years. However, with signs that the economy may be beginning to improve, this is a great time for local companies to consider new opportunities to expand, and Monday enabled us to spread this message and explain how local companies can get access to finance."

Basildon Enterprise Agency also explained how its heavily subsidised ‘Fit To Lend' support programme can help businesses prepare any loan application. Several local accountancy firms were also present along with two Business Link Advisors, offering a one-stop shop for business advice and support.

Cllr Stephen Horgan, Deputy Leader of the council, says:  "The feedback from this event has been very encouraging, both from the businesses that attended, and the banks that made it possible.  Events like this are vital to support local companies no matter how big or small. The Council is pleased to help local companies get in front of business managers from the major High Street banks and talk about the finance they need to keep our District prosperous."

The event was the first of its kind in the country, and a first for Basildon District Council.