Metro Bank is always looking at new ways to make lives easier and is committed to helping SMEs thrive by bringing more competition to the small business banking market. That’s why we’re proud signatories of the SME Finance Charter, a Government backed initiative to support the 5.7 million SMEs in the UK – ensuring they get the funding they need to succeed.
As part of our commitment to the Charter, Metro Bank confirms:
1. That we’re open for business and ready to lend.
What this means for you: - We’re open for longer with innovative and business friendly services.
Since opening our doors on UK high streets nearly 10 years ago, Metro Bank is committed to helping Britain’s small businesses thrive. Over the years we have grown our customer base and we continue to support more and more SMEs as we open new stores across the country.
We’re at the forefront of business finance, implementing a range of innovative finance options over the coming years as part of our £120 million winning competition and innovation fund (part of the alternative remedies fund) submission.
All of our stores are open at convenient times for local people, from 8am to 8pm Monday to Fridays, 8am to 6pm on Saturday and 11am to 5pm on Sundays and bank holidays, 362 days a year.
2. We’ll help you prepare for Brexit and beyond.
What this means for you: - Our community business managers are experts in their field – offering customers a direct line of contact to ensure your business can navigate the current environment.
Metro Bank’s Local Business Managers, Local Directors and Commercial Relationship Managers are there to support customers at all times – including with any Brexit challenges which may occur.
We will always support our customers if impacted by Brexit or any other issue they may face 7 days a week, from 8am to 8pm Monday to Fridays, 8am to 6pm on Saturday and 11am to 5pm on Sundays and bank holidays, 362 days a year.
Providing expert help and business services - our local stores hold regular networking and training opportunities to help SMEs run and grow their businesses.
3. We’ll support your application and signpost other options if needed.
What this means for you: - Open an account in hours and receive the benefit of artificial intelligence-led ‘Business Insights’ via our focused app.
Opening an account with Metro Bank is easy and straightforward and unlike other banks on the high street, you can leave the store with everything you need and an account that’s working straight away.
And the support doesn’t stop there – we provide a range of tools, products and services that really help SMEs get under the skin of their finances and make their lives easier so they can focus on the day job – for instance Business Insights. Every store has a dedicated local business manager.
Metro Bank also has Commercial Relationship Managers who support larger SMEs.
Amazing customer service is what Metro Bank is all about – it’s why our stores are open when other banks' branches are closed, and why we work on our customers’ agendas and not our own.
But should something go wrong, we take complaints extremely seriously and we’re committed to making every wrong, right.
5. We’ll work with the government-owned British Business Bank to support SMEs.
What this means for you: - We want all businesses to thrive, that’s why we partner with the British Business Bank to ensure that all SMEs get the best access to finance that works for them.
Metro Bank is a proud participant of the British Business Bank (BBB) and we help connect SMEs to the BBB, ensuring that businesses get the finance they need to thrive.
Mark Stokes, Commercial Banking Director at Metro Bank:
“Britain’s small businesses are the beating heart of the UK economy which is why, at Metro Bank we want to see SMEs thrive. We’re committed to making small business’ lives easier by providing straightforward products and services and being there to support business owners when they need us most. We’re proud to be supporting the SME Finance Charter and commit to deliver on the pledges we’re signing up to.”
In signing up to the SME Finance Charter, Metro Bank commits to:
Supporting more SMEs each year as we grow our footprint, open new stores and expand our commercial teams across the country.
By providing helpful information and advice on Brexit and other issues so small businesses can continue to operate against a changing political environment.
Supporting SMEs not just when accounts are opened but for the lifetime of the relationship – we have Local Business Managers in every store. But should Metro Bank not be able to meet a customer’s need, we’ll tell them about our partner – Funding Options – so they can secure finance elsewhere.
Providing amazing customer service – that’s why our stores are open when other banks' branches are closed and why we work on our customers’ agendas and not our own. But should something go wrong, we take complaints extremely seriously and we’re committed to making every wrong, right.
Metro Bank is signed up to the British Business Bank’s Enterprise Finance Guarantee scheme – and will support any SME who wishes to use it.