NatWest

SME lender partners with NatWest and RBS




The Start Up Loans Company has joined NatWest and RBS's Capital Connections programme to help SMEs access alternative sources of capital.

The government-backed loan provider will become one of a handful of alternative finance firms to join Capital Connections, which is designed to help businesses secure alternative finance after being unable to obtain traditional financial backing.

“We are excited to announce that The Start Up Loans Company will be joining our Capital Connections programme,” said Alison Rose, CEO of commercial and private banking at NatWest and RBS. 

“We are the biggest supporter of British businesses and in 2016 we lent almost £9bn to commercial companies and £1.6bn to SMEs, an increase of 43% from the previous year.”

Seedrs was recently added to the Capital Connections programme, which also includes Together, Assetz Capital, Funding Circle and iwoca.

“Start-ups often bring something fresh and innovative to an existing market, but they are often left at the back of the queue when it comes to accessing finance,” said Joanna Hill, interim CEO of The Start Up Loans Company. 

“We’re looking forward to partnering with NatWest and Royal Bank of Scotland to give people a second opportunity to achieve their business goals.”

Alison added: “…It won’t always be possible for us to support all our customers with our own capital and it’s important that in these instances we do the right thing by helping them access other finance options. 

“That’s why our Capital Connections programme is so important to supporting British businesses, enhancing their access to the borrowing which is essential for jobs and economic growth.”

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