SMEs can boost business with help of a ‘Dragon’

SMEs in the West Midlands have the chance to breathe some fire into their businesses with advice from a famous Dragon.

Deborah Meaden, star of BBC hit show Dragons’ Den, will be taking part in an online seminar to answer questions about how SMEs can win new business.

Run in conjunction with Smarta.com, she will be joined by NatWest’s small business chairman Peter Ibbetson and account director at M&C Saatchi Marcus Peffers.

Ms Meaden said: “I’m a supporter of Smarta and share their belief in supporting entrepreneurial spirit and encouraging growth through quality advice.

“I’m looking forward to a lively debate and urge businesses to make the most of the session by posing some challenging questions.”

The so-called ‘webinar’ is the first in a new series being launched by the bank following direct feedback from customers and it will also host live video streaming, audios and presentations online.

Mr Ibbetson added: “We committed to consult regularly with businesses and address their needs as part of our SME charter, so it’s great to demonstrate that we are listening in such an innovative way.

“Whilst we remain committed to providing face to face advice, the Business Knowledge Webinar series, is an exciting new way for a bank to engage with the businesses on a key issues, in a way that is convenient to them.”

The webinar takes place at 2.30pm on 19 May and SMEs can register their questions in advance by visiting natwest.com/business.