Barclays to strengthen links with brewer
BARCLAYS is sending its business relationship managers out into the field to further their knowledge of the firms they will be working with.
Post-recession more and more firms have been complaining they cannot get good access to finance and that their BRMs do not understand them or the sectors they work in.
Many firms believe that if the banks understood more about the environments they operate in and the risks they encounter, then they might be better disposed to lend to them.
Business manager Katie Ryden counts Warwickshire brewery Purity as one of her clients and to find out more about the business she spent the day with the firm at its base in Great Alne.
She joined Flo Vialan, head brewer for the firm, and tried her hand preparing the brewery for production, getting the hops and malt organised for the brew, emptying the malt masher, assisting in the testing of the beer to ensure it complies with strict quality standards and cleaning down the brewery at the end of the day.
She said: “I am committed to finding out more about my client’s business to help them achieve their ambitions. The more we know and learn about our customers the better, enabling us to provide the right levels of support and advice when required.
“This initiative is taking place up and down the country and is one of a range of measures to support our business customers.”
Jim Minkin, finance director for Purity, said: “During these difficult times it is essential that you maintain close links with your bank and ensure they have a genuine understanding of your business. This initiative has been a great success and allows my bank to fully understand my business and the issues I face on a day to day basis.”
