“STOCKPORT BUSINESSES: BANK PROBLEMS? LET ME KNOW!”

Andrew Stunell MP has called for Stockport businesses to let him know of any problems they've had with getting cash from the banks.

Andrew wrote to Stockport businesses today to hear from them on problems they've had with accessing finance from the big banks and also for feedback on the new and improved Appeals Process.

Commenting, Andrew said -

"As a Liberal Democrat I've been pushing the big banks hard to give more help to small businesses locally that want to expand. Now there's a new appeals system if a firm gets turned down for a loan by their bank I want to make sure it is working well, and that the banks are really delivering for local companies that want to invest and take on staff. That's why I want to hear from any local business that has been blocked by their bank from expanding."

A package of measures was announced in the Chancellor's Autumn Statement to improve the Appeals Process for Small & Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs).

The package includes -

• A campaign to increase SME awareness of the Appeals Process.
• The appointment of an internal 'appeals champion' in each bank.
• The appointment of a named board level executive to be accountable for the overall success of the Appeals Process in each bank.
• The sampling and review of a random selection of non-appealed declines.

Lisa Smart, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Hazel Grove, said -

"Although a lot of Government support has gone to SMEs recently, we know in practice this can take a while to see its impact to the people it matters to most on the ground. That's why we'd like to hear what's working and what isn't for our businesses here in Stockport."

If you've had problems with the banks, have something to say about the Appeals Process, or would like to be added to Andrew's business mailing list, please do get in touch with Andrew's office on 0161 406 7070 or enquiries@andrewstunell.org.uk