HSBC Launch Initiative to Help SMEs

HSBC SME

[p-lead]Banking giant HSBC has announced an incredible plan to help small businesses in the United Kingdom, setting aside a staggering £8 billion to assist them, and also a special promotion on business loans.[/p-lead]

The bank has declared that the SME fund will be available in 43 areas around the United Kingdom, while the arrangement and security fees on specific business loans ranging from £1,000 all the way up to £300,000 will be waived until the end of July for those looking to take out a new business loan to help with their progression into the market.

[well]The HSBC Initiative In Numbers

  • 75,721 – the number of SMEs who opened accounts with HSBC in 2014
  • 5,900 – an average number of SMEs who opened accounts with HSBC each month in 2014
  • 300 workshops to launch across the UK this year to help prospective and new businesses
  • 18 months of fee-free business banking for startups launching with a HSBC business account
  • 12 months of fee-free banking for those who switch to a HSBC account[/well]

Ian Stuart, who heads up HSBC’s UK Commercial Banking department said that the move underlines the bank’s commitment to homegrown businesses, and shows that they don’t only favour those with multinational offices.

“I want to show UK businesses that we’re right behind them” said Mr Stuart. “We currently approve upwards of 85% of lending applications and we want to do even more. The £8 billion is more of an aspiration than a budget, and the initiative of waiving of our loan fees could help businesses to save hundreds.”

Another HSBC spokesman, this time Antonio Simoes who is the UK Chief Executive of the bank, said that “It’s vital that SMEs of all sizes know that HSBC is there to support them. That’s why we’ve got around £8 billion to lend and a promotion to make it cheaper and easier to borrow for your business.”

The news is positive for all businesses and customers. You don’t have to currently be a HSBC customer, but switching your account to the bank will change the offer and how it works for you, (as shown in the final bullet point above, you get six months less in terms of fee-free lending).

Businesses across the UK are all being forced to evaluate their strategies since the General Election, and as more news comes out of Downing Street we will be forced to continue with our re-evaluation. For the time being, the future is looking bright for British startups and SMEs with the UK already leading the way in terms of producing new startups in comparison to other countries in Europe.

[well]If you’re looking for advice on starting a new business, check out our post on Six Tax Tips for Startups and New Businesses.[/well]

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