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January 23, 2020

International conference heralds ‘bold’ ways to secure future of cash

An international conference will urge global policymakers to continue to adopt ‘bold and imaginative measures’ to secure access to cash and its acceptance in the future, as many societies are seeing radical change in the payments and monetary landscape.

The ‘Future of Cash’ conference, which will be held on 21 – 22 April in Madrid, Spain and organised by AGIS Consulting, will see central bankers and decision-makers from financial institutions and other stakeholders within the cash cycle across the world consider the drivers behind the demand for cash and new technologies that are helping to transform the cash cycle.

As cash demand continues to grow alongside developments in alternative payment methods, a ‘Future Makers’ workshop facilitated by experts from international think tank Demos Helsinki, will see delegates design scenarios for the future of cash and develop roadmaps to secure its smooth and efficient distribution.

How cash is undergoing a transformation will be examined under the ‘CashTech’ project – a new forum that will see innovators, start-ups and fintechs examine how disruptive technologies can be applied to enhance the competitiveness and convenience of cash as payment tool for consumers, retailers and wider communities. They will enable consumers to pay cash for their online shopping or use lifestyle apps to access cash from their local shop.

Other sessions cover ways to improve cash collection, cash handling and recirculation. Presentations will also compare business models – such as ATM pooling or utility models – can make cash more efficient. Central bank perspectives on cash will showcase how technical processes are transforming the way cash is used and handled.

Most countries have been seeing continued growth in demand for banknotes and coins. Worldwide, cash is the leading payment instrument, even if there are significant differences between countries.

“Cash possesses unique attributes, which are mostly unmatched by alternative payment instruments,” said Guillaume Lepecq, conference chair. “Cash also generates benefits for society that are not directly linked to its payments function: it ensures financial inclusion, it protects users’ anonymity and it also works when the power is down or in case of computer outages.”

The event will set out to shape a dynamic and future-focused roadmap for cash at a time when economies across the globe are seeing far-reaching changes in payment and monetary eco-systems as technology, regulation and demographics combine to enable societies to move wealth differently.

“The bold and imaginative futures that this conference will design come as timely and unique opportunities for all involved in payment technologies and how they can actively shape the future of cash,” he added. Details of the conference programme are available at www.thefutureofcash.com

January 20, 2020

Royal Bank of Scotland launches new £7m fund to support…

The Royal Bank 300 Fund has been set up to mark the bank’s 300th anniversary in 2027 and will see the bank invest £1m a year, for the next seven years, into projects designed to make a positive impact for people working and living across Scotland.

The first partnership to be announced is with Glasgow University’s John Smith Centre for Public Service. The collaboration will see 300 young people, aged 17 – 27 and from all walks of life and from across Scotland, taking part in a 12-month programme aimed at creating employment opportunities and developing networks, as well as helping to promote the importance of respectful, civilised disagreement.

The programme will include:

A weekend at the Royal Bank of Scotland’s business school at Gogarburn, where an intensive programme of workshops and lectures from the country’s leading politicians, business leaders, public servants, journalists and change-makers will be combined with opportunities to network and socialise.

A 70-hour paid internship programme with a politician, business or non-governmental organisation.

Membership of the John Smith Centre AlumiNetwork – a peer to peer network for people who have completed John Smith Centre programmes – ensuring legacy and feedback.

The aim is for each young person to leave the programme with a new peer group of like-minded people; each with an understanding of public service and how politics and business can be a force for good. Their minds and horizons will hopefully be broadened by meeting people from different backgrounds with different beliefs which they have explored in a tolerant, respectful but challenging environment.

Further announcements of partnerships supported by the 300 Fund will follow over the coming months and will focus on areas key to the Scottish economy including climate change, enterprise and financial capability.

Malcolm Buchanan, chair of the Royal Bank of Scotland Board, said:

“This year sees the Royal Bank of Scotland enter its 30th decade of supporting customers and communities across Scotland. Scotland has changed during that time but our commitment to the country and our customers has not. With our 300th anniversary on the horizon we feel the time is right to launch the Royal Bank 300 Fund to help the Scottish economy face the challenges and opportunities ahead in areas such as climate change, enterprise and financial capability.

“Following in the footsteps of Scottish Enlightenment luminaries such as Adam Smith, James Hutton and Joseph Black – all of whom were born in the same decade that the Royal Bank of Scotland was founded – the Royal Bank 300 Fund is aimed at helping to identify and realise the potential of future gamechangers in Scotland.”

First minister Nicola Sturgeon MSP, said:

“The passion and enthusiasm that we have seen in recent years from the younger generation for politics and vital issues like climate change – subjects previously deemed to be too complex or uninteresting for them to engage with – has been hugely inspiring.

“I am proud that our young people have a desire to make the world we live in a better place and are willing to take action, whether that is engaging politically or with specific campaigns close to their hearts.

“This programme is an exciting new way for young people to engage with the world they live in, to broaden their understanding of public service and business and meet others with similar interests but not necessarily similar viewpoints. It is a great opportunity to promote civilised and evidence led debate, something which we should all encourage more of to help build the young leaders of the future.”

Alison Rose, CEO Royal Bank of Scotland, said:

“I am delighted we are partnering with the John Smith Centre for Public Service for the first initiative under the Royal Bank 300 Fund. As we build a purpose-led bank that champions the potential of the communities we serve, one of my top priorities is to ensure we play our part in tackling some of the wider issues facing society; whether building financial capability, supporting enterprise or taking bold actions to help the transition to a low carbon economy.”

Director of John Smith Centre for Public Service, Kezia Dugdale, said:

“Young people across Scotland are the next generation of leaders, thinkers and entrepreneurs. This innovative programme will place politics and public service at its heart, encouraging people to promote civilised debate and pursue positive change in their communities. By supporting those who have the interest and passion to enter politics, but not necessarily the access or means, we can deliver transformational change for Scotland in the future. That’s why I am delighted the Royal Bank 300 Fund will help build on John Smith’s legacy of public service.”

January 16, 2020

By popular request…

The Business Money dinners have traditionally been Black Tie, but, this year by popular request and in recognition of changing times, we have decided that dress code will be business suits.

We agree that business attire is more synonymous with the networking nature of our events and hope that this change will be more accommodating for those working in the city who will be travelling home on the night too.

Do join us with your team and friends. There will be Business Money awards and you will be in the company of your competitors, friends and support professionals.

Business Money will be adding another proposition in 2020, one aimed at bringing more business to your door and this will be announced, with our partner, at the dinner.

We are offering a 10-place table discounted to a nine-ticket price for those making an early booking and we have negotiated a special room rate of £189 + VAT for those staying for night.

Tickets are selling fast, so book now to join us here, or call me on +44 (0) 1458 253536 for more information.

We hope to see you!

Sophie Grove
Managing Director

January 15, 2020

Crystal Specialist Finance announces first webinars for 2020

Crystal Specialist Finance has revealed its first webinars for 2020, with bridging finance and buy to let featuring prominently in the programme.

Designed specifically for intermediaries and with each delivered in partnership with a leading lender, focus remains on broker education and continuous professional development. The schedule reads:21 January

  • 21 January – Octane Capital – bridging finance
  • 11 February –  Precise Mortgages – refurb buy-to-let
  • 19 February – Together – bridging finance
  • 27 February – InterBay –  commercial bridging finance
  • 12 March – Hope Capital – bridging finance
  • 31 March – Pepper Money – buy-to-let

Reactions to last year’s seminar through an anonymous feedback platform included:

‘Short, sweet, but to the point. Education made interesting, thank you.’

‘Amazing to now know how diverse you guys really are, for a broker from the stone age of the sector I can now look to take on more of my clients’ needs instead of passing them onto elsewhere.’

All webinars start at 10.30am and last approximately 30-40 minutes. Further information and registration details can be found at crystalsf.com/events-webinars/.

January 13, 2020

NACFB announces new event to recognise broking excellence

A new platform for national recognition within the intermediary market launches today as the National Association of Commercial Finance Brokers (NACFB) announces its inaugural Commercial Broker Awards.

The awards ceremony will be hosted at Edgbaston Cricket Ground in Birmingham from 12pm-8pm on Thursday 23rd April 2020, where the winners of each award category will be announced.

The event is an opportunity for the NACFB to thank its broker Members. Standard tickets are priced at £125 per ticket and £1250 per table, but, for a limited time only, NACFB broker tickets will be subsidised to just £50 per ticket or £500 per table with the exclusive discount code: NACFBBROKER60

The events will see fourteen award categories from which NACFB brokers can select; ranging from sector specific awards to deal of the year and sole trader categories. Non-NACFB members will not be considered for shortlisting and the awards are not open for Patron lenders of the Association. The deadline for all entries is 17.00 on Friday 7th February 2020.

A panel of industry leaders will produce a shortlist after which all NACFB lenders will then submit their votes for the winner. All shortlisted NACFB brokerages will be notified in the last week of February.

Graham Toy, NACFB chief executive, looked ahead to the new flagship event: “Our November Gala Dinner recognises Patrons who are best in class, but the Commercial Broker Awards will turn the spotlight onto our broker Members – who remain at the very heart of everything we do.

“The aim of the event is to have an 85/15 broker/lender split, and we would encourage our community of brokers to bring their partners and clients along with them to join in the celebrations.”

NACFB brokers can submit a nomination from a full list of award categories and secure their place at the Commercial Broker Awards by visiting www.commercialbrokerawards.co.uk

January 6, 2020

Metro Bank open in Wolverhampton

Metro Bank opens its 72nd store on Friday 10 and Saturday 11 January in Wolverhampton. To mark the occasion, Metro Bank is inviting businesses, residents and four-legged friends to the two-day grand opening party.

The fun will kick off at 8am on Friday 10 January, with entertainment including stilt walkers, a DJ, free manicures and face painting. Mayor of the West Midlands, Andy Street will be in Wolverhampton to cut the ribbon of the new store, alongside the mayor of the City of Wolverhampton, Cllr Claire Darke. The opening celebrations will also be attended by the recently elected Stuart Anderson, MP for Wolverhampton South West.

The Wolverhampton store will be located at 6-7 Dudley Street, in the heart of the town centre. The store is part of the bank’s expansion into the West Midlands and follows the opening of stores in Birmingham, Solihull and Dudley (Merry Hill) last year.

Customers will be able to visit the store seven days a week, with no appointment needed, and open a personal or business account on-the-spot, leaving with their debit card in hand, along with internet and mobile banking set-up.

The store will have more than 3,500 safe deposit boxes available, which are already able to be reserved, and will offer free coin counting facilities for children and adults alike.

Ian Walters, managing director of retail and business banking at Metro Bank, said: “We’re thrilled to be opening in Wolverhampton and to become part of the local community here. This is our fourth store to open in the West Midlands and it’s particularly special for me as Wolverhampton is my home town. Metro Bank will provide the people of Wolverhampton with the very best in service and convenience.”

Andy Street, the Mayor of the West Midlands, added: “I am pleased to see Metro Bank opening another store in the West Midlands. Here in the region we are always pleased to see new and exciting businesses expanding and investing, and the opening of Metro Bank in Wolverhampton shows how the high street is still alive, with businesses seeing a profitable future in the West Midlands.”

City of Wolverhampton council cabinet member for city economy, councillor Harman Banger, commented: “We are pleased to be supporting the Metro Bank team to help them deliver this new store in the heart of Wolverhampton. There is £4.4bn being invested into the city and that is helping attract major brands like Metro Bank. Most importantly their arrival is delivering more jobs for local people.”

The store will deliver its free financial education programme, Money Zone, to schools and youth groups in the area. The National Curriculum approved training, which is provided through classroom and store-based sessions, has already supported more than 100,000 children across the UK with their financial literacy.

All Metro Bank stores are open at the most convenient time for local people, from 8am to 8pm Monday to Fridays, 8am to 6pm on Saturdays and 11am to 5pm on Sundays and bank holidays, 362 days a year.

December 19, 2019

The Business Money Dinner returns to London in 2020 at the Paddington Hilton

The Business Money Dinner will return to London in on 5 March 2020 at the Paddington Hilton.

Do join us with your team and friends as we recognise your achievements in 2019. There will be awards and you will be in the company of your competitors, friends and support professionals. Business Money will be adding another proposition in 2020, one aimed at bringing more business to your door.

I am giving you a heads up now as we are doing tables of 10 at £1,575 + VAT to keep your costs down. This is a 10 place table discounted to a 9 ticket price for those taking an early table. Details are on the booking link, https://www.business-money.com/announcements/events/the-business-money-dinner-at-the-london-hilton-paddington/.

We have also negotiated a special room rate of £189 + VAT for those staying for the night.

Please call Sophie Grove on 07796 529569 for more details.

November 29, 2019

NACFB gala dinner and industry awards 2019

The award winners were:

Soft Asset Provider of the Year
Investec

Hard Asset Provider of the Year
Aldermore

Motor Finance Provider of the Year
Blackhorse

Factor and Invoice Discounter of the Year
Bibby

Unsecured Lender of the Year
Funding Circle

Short-Term lender of the Year
Shawbrook

Specialist Lender of the Year
Lendinvest

Most Innovative Lender of the Year
esme

Development Lender of the Year
Aldermore

Buy to Let lender of the Year
Lendinvest

Commercial Mortgage Lender of the Year
Lloyds Bank

Business Bank of the Year
NatWest

Patron of the year
Aldermore

And a new award recognising individual excellence:

Rising Star of the Year
Kim McGinley

More than £24,000 was raised for CLIC Sargeant, the Cancer Support Charity following an inspirational delivery from Ethan a young victim with a full and active life.

November 27, 2019

Trade associations can help make FCA intervention unnecessary

Trade associations, like the ASTL, can promote effective self-regulation, which could make further FCA intervention in the bridging sector unnecessary, according to former FCA mortgage manager, Lynda Blackwell.

Speaking at the ASTL Annual Conference last week, Lynda Blackwell said that she didn’t think full regulation of the bridging market would happen any time soon, adding that “it’s something that is down to you [the bridging sector] to make sure you react in the right way”.

Blackwell said that any regulation is always targeted towards the “bad apples” in an industry and that trade associations and members of those bodies had a responsibility to call out bad practice as this would provide evidence that the market was able to self-regulate.

Benson Hersch, CEO of the ASTL says: “Regulation of our market may not be on the imminent horizon, but we all need to be cognisant it is always a possibility and that any regulation will be targeted at the worst offenders, so could be heavy handed and restrictive to customer choice and innovation.

“Lynda highlighted the important role that trade associations play in maintaining standards, calling out bad practice and ensuring we can build a sustainable market that benefits both our customers and our participants. This doesn’t happen on its own and we all need to pull together to ensure that lenders lend responsibly, following the rules of the market in which we want to operate, rather than have those rules imposed on us.

“I’d like to thank Lynda for her incredibly insightful and thought-provoking presentation at our conference last week, which proved to be a valuable event for all who attended.”

November 27, 2019

Santander officially opens re-designed branch in Blyth

On Friday 29 November 2019, Santander UK will officially open its newly redesigned branch at 22 Regent Street, Blyth, NE24 1LB. The new-look branch has been designed to deliver even better customer service and community-friendly banking.

The branch will be opened by the first customer to arrive on the day, who will be invited to cut the ribbon and officially declare the branch open. Throughout the day, customers will be greeted with Christmas music, sweets, snacks and light refreshments. The branch will also be holding a charity raffle to raise funds for Santander’s 2019 charity partner, The Alzheimer’s society.

The new branch design includes facilities such as: Express Banking with a new ATM wall; counter services for more secure transactions and; private interview rooms for anyone who might need additional time or privacy to discuss their financial affairs.

It will also be equipped with talking ATMs giving customers the option to plug in headphones and be guided through their transaction by voice assistance, with or without the use of the ATM screen.

The branch, which employs 7 staff and is managed by Shona Carr, will also feature a picture wall to display local community initiatives, such as Santander Foundation grants. A business banking manager will also be available in branch on a Wednesday while customers can make appointments to meet with a Financial Planning Manager on a Thursday.

Santander’s head of branches, Adam Bishop said: “Banking is changing at a rapid pace and we wanted to create a branch that can accommodate the needs of all our local customers. That means combining traditional banking facilities, and a focus on delivering great customer service, with modern, digital services including free Wi-Fi, customer tablets and digital ATMs.

“Santander branches are an important part of many communities and our investment in this branch reflects our commitment to Blyth.”

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