smallbusiness.co.uk: Helping your business think big

This seems to be unacceptable customer service, and you would be within your rights to complain to the Bank’s Head Office.  

Business banking is now quite competitive, so it is best to contact a number of Banks to get their response to your request to open an account. Before you approach the Banks, you need to make sure that your business plan is going to convince people to invest in you and your business. Go to the Business Link for London website for a good business plan template to get you started, click here.

For articles and tips on choosing a bank for a business loan, visit the Business Link for London website, click here.

Alternatively, you could consider the Access to Finance programme, which is designed to assist London based businesses to raise finance to start up and develop their business. It’s heavily subsidised, which, if you qualified for the programme could pay towards providing consultancy support to produce a business or investment plan. For more information on Access to Finance, click here or contact Business Link for London on 0845 6000 787.