Bank of Scotland has launched The Business Bank, a service which gives each small to medium-sized (SME) business instant access to a team of three specialist relationship managers via the telephone, Internet or branch.
The bank has more than 50,000 SME customers and they can access The Business Bank 24 hours a day. Customers will have the option of direct face-to-face contact with a relationship manager if they need it.
Colin Wrigley, head of The Business Bank, says: "Many small businesses find banking eats into their working day. An increasing number are turning to direct channels which can help them improve efficiency. The Business Bank takes this approach much further, giving each business the ability to summon a dedicated bank manager with a telephone call or click of the mouse."
The Business Bank will enable customers to access Bank of Scotland's full range of small business products and services over the phone. This ranges from day-to-day business banking needs to asset finance, cashflow, vehicle management and motor sector finance.
Three business centres are currently being established. Edinburgh will serve the East/South East Scotland, Inverness for the North and Glasgow meeting the needs of the South/South West. The Business Bank is scheduled to be fully operational by the end of the year.