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June | July 2001 |
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FSB's manifesto for better Britain
Key victory over business rates
Small businesses to create 2m jobs - survey
LiveWire encourages young entrepreneurs
Minister visits growing franchise
Creative agency doubles turnover
Viability of community banks
COMMENTARY
Donald A. Martin
Chairman, UK Policy Unit
Viability of community banks
A new independent study of the viability of community banks has been sponsored by the FSB. The study, carried out by the Banking Centre at Loughborough University, has confirmed that the idea of community banks - providing counter services on behalf of all the major banks - is "both operationally feasible and financially viable".
The study was carried out to validate the proposals of the Campaign for Community Banking a coalition of small businesses, charities and community bodies. The campaigners believe community banks are vital to service the needs of small firms and individuals, who cannot use the technology-based alternatives suggested by the big banks when they close local branches.
Prof Barry Howcroft, who spearheaded the study at Loughborough, said it clearly showed the idea was viable, but that it would succeed or fail on the level of cooperation from the banks. He added that the alternative idea of using post offices as substitute banks was not favoured by small business customers.
For the full News, see pages 4-5, 7-8, 27 of the June/July 2001 issue of First Voice
Whilst every care has been taken in the compilation of this magazine, errors and omissions are not the responsibility of the publishers or of the editorial staff. Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the publishers or editorial staff. All rights reserved. Unless specifically stated, goods or services mentioned are not formally endorsed by the FSB which does not guarantee or endorse or accept any liability for any goods and/or services featured in this publication.
Copyright NFSE (Sales) Ltd 2001