South: Lloyds Bank supports Manufacturing 100 campaign

The Southern Manufacturing 100 – the annual list compiled by The Business Magazine – is now supported by Lloyds Bank.

Lloyds has joined business advisers MHA MacIntyre Hudson, Taylor Made Computer Solutions and risk specialists JLT as sponsors of the campaign – the latest list is published in the September issue of The Business Magazine.

Lloyds Bank said: “We are dedicated to the manufacturing sector. We recognise the vital role and contribution manufacturing plays in the UK economy. To this end, we have put in place a number of programmes and initiatives to support this sector.“

The bank added: “In 2014 we made a four-year commitment to lend an extra £1 billion per year to help fund growth in the sector. In 2014, 2015 and 2016, we exceeded that commitment and are ahead of year-to-date performance so far in 2017.”

On specialist managers, Lloyds Bank said: “We were the first UK bank to train our relationship managers in the nuances of the sector - working with the University of Warwick and the Manufacturing Technologies Association to provide accreditation in understanding what manufacturing businesses need from their bank.

“We understand that manufacturing businesses have their own unique banking needs. This sector needs continuous reinvestment in research and development, people and processes, to retain their competitive advantage in an ever-growing global marketplace. Whether it’s bolstering cashflow, financing growth, undertaking international trade or making acquisitions, we’re here to provide guidance to help business find the best answer.”

The bank has also set up an international trade portal, to help manufacturers looking to export. “This provides background knowledge to help manufacturers plan with confidence and includes practical resources for every step of the journey, from targeting the right market to making the first shipment.”