Ulster Bank to invest £1 billion in business support

Ulster Bank today announced that it has a dedicated £1billion available for business in 2014. Building on Ulster Bank’s existing supports for businesses of all sizes, this is available to both new and existing Ulster Bank customers and is open to all businesses who are seeking finance to support their growth plans in 2014.

There is evidence of business confidence growing, demand is increasing and more businesses are coming to branches to discuss their 2014 plans. Ulster Bank is delighted to be actively supporting businesses in all sectors and all sizes from micro enterprises to multinationals.

Ken Murnaghan, Head of Business Banking, Ulster Bank (pictured)  said: “In 2014 we are delighted to have £1billion available to help business as the real drivers of growth, employment and confidence in our economy. We know that many of our business customers view 2014 as a key year in terms of implementing growth plans, from introducing new products and services to expansion overseas and hiring additional employees. Access to funding is essential to ensuring they are able to fulfil these ambitions.”

In addition to the £1billion available for business, Ulster Bank will host a series of support and networking events, ‘Ahead for Business’, to help companies in planning for 2014 and beyond.  The briefings will include information on accessing finance, business planning and cash flow management for new and existing customers.

Ken Murnaghan continued: “Our teams are looking forward to hosting ‘Ahead for Business’ events at six locations in Northern Ireland. We intend to use these to help local businesses develop their ideas, spark new concepts and highlight the suite of supports we provide to companies of all sizes.”

Events will take place in Cookstown, the North West, Enniskillen, Lisburn, Belfast and Ballymena, beginning in February. Details of the series will be available at www.ulsterbank.com/aheadforbusiness