Businesses will benefit from the extensive support hub, which covers a range of topics including legislation, employment issues and business development, all of which can be accessed through a dedicated helpline and online, with downloadable guides and templates. Customers will also be able to take advantage of the Forum’s detailed compliance and start-up guides, as well as a discount on Forum membership for their insured advice service.

Ian Cass, Managing Director at the Forum commented: “This is a partnership that made sense for us on so many levels. Metro Bank is truly trying to do business differently, wanting customers to be engaged fans, committed to growth and opening new stores across the country. They are genuinely focussed on understanding and helping small businesses to grow and thrive.”

Craig Donaldson, CEO at Metro Bank added: “Running your own business is no mean feat. We speak to customers every day and wherever they are in their journey, no matter their background or sector, they’re always hungry for advice. By joining forces with the Forum we’re able to provide businesses with the practical support they need at the end of their fingertips.”

Small business owner, Sharon Dobson, said: “When you’re running a business, the breadth of issues that crop up, mean you can’t be an expert in everything. As a business owner I’m time-pressured, so a one-stop-shop like the Forum where you’re assured of credible and relevant advice, makes a massive difference to the way I run my business. Words are one thing, but the practical advice the Forum offers, gives me the reassurance I need that I’m making the best decisions for both my customers and employees.”

The announcement comes as the bank unveils it is winning 17% of switchers in London and the South East and follows in the wake of the bank’s £1bn net lending pledge for its business customers and its commitment to create 100 new roles to support its business customers by the end of 2018.

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Mark Stokes, Managing Director Commercial Banking at Metro Bank said: “We were delighted to support Newey with a sophisticated funding package including invoice finance and asset finance all under one roof. In a short time-frame, our dedicated specialists were able to understand the company’s needs and provide it with a significant capital injection for its expansion plans.  We look forward to working with Newey over the years to come, as it continues to grow and develop its business.”

Alex Newey & Martyn Thomas, Managing Directors at Newey Group added: “Metro Bank has a refreshing and dynamic approach to commercial banking and it was a pleasure to work with the bank. The team has immediately understood our vision to become one of the leading agricultural companies in Europe and has allowed us to consolidate structures and simultaneously grow market share.  We’re excited for the future and look forward to strengthening our relationship with Metro Bank.”

Metro Bank offers tailored commercial banking services, including a common-sense approach to lending and cash management solutions. Customers are supported by a dedicated team of relationship managers, who provide expert and industry-specific guidance. The Invoice Finance team provides flexible invoice discounting, factoring, and cash-flow funding solutions to businesses across the UK, with all customers benefiting from fair, flexible and transparent agreements, with no hidden charges.

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