Barclays has announced today that it will be hosting over 100 clinics for businesses, including agriculture clients, from March to provide additional support through Brexit.
The events will be hosted in Barclays bank branches and Eagle Labs, the bank’s co-working innovation spaces for entrepreneurs and businesses, across the UK.
Last year Barclays also announced a new dedicated agri-tech team, with specialists based across the UK focused on supporting start-ups to connect with the farming community and boost innovation.
The bank’s wider network of 1,500 relationship managers will host the clinics which will focus on managing cash-flow and working capital, exporting goods abroad, supply chain management, labour, and protecting businesses against fraud.
The clinics will also look at using data and technology to help boost agri-businesses, from apps and automation, through to the bank’s partnership with Fintech MarketInvoice, which enables businesses to get funding against their outstanding invoices, unlocking fast access to cash.
Over 5,000 invites will be issued during the following weeks to agri-businesses, SMEs and corporate clients across the country.
A number of Barclays’ industry specialists will host the clinics in some areas to provide sector specific advice, with a spotlight on agriculture, and construction, hospitality, manufacturing and healthcare.
Mark Suthern, National Head of Agriculture at Barclays, said: “We have been supporting farmers in Britain for over 300 years helping them to respond to changes in the market, explore growth opportunities and diversify their businesses. We’re committed to boosting innovation in the farming industry, enabling our clients to improve productivity and sustainability.
“We know that some businesses are concerned about the current uncertainty, and our network of agriculture relationship managers are here to help them navigate the challenges and opportunities the following months will bring.”
The bank also plans to host a series of digital webinars over the coming months to further support agri-businesses across the country with planning and resilience.