RBS launches small business campaign

Royal Bank of Scotland is launching a campaign this week that aims to highlight that it is trying to keep credit flowing to small businesses.

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The campaign will feature examples of business customers that have received finance from the bank, which is 70% owned by tax payers.

In addition, a letter from RBS chief executive Stephen Hester will be sent to the bank’s business  customers, stressing the bank is “open for business” and that it is now agreeing 85% of credit applications.

The campaign comes as the Britain’s lenders ready themselves for a showdown with Chancellor Alistair Darling over lending to businesses and customers. Darling is expected to tell banks that increasing levels of lending is necessary to boost the economy.

However, an RBS survey found most small businesses plan to cut back on spending over the next six months, rather than taking on more debt. One in three plan to save money while only 18% intend to increase their borrowings.