Think business. Think future. Think without boundaries
Welcome to Barclays Commercial Bank. It’s our aim to help your business succeed today and in the future. From International Trade to Risk Management, you’ll find help with some of today’s most common business issues. As well as viewing our customer’s thoughts on them. So just use the navigation below or your cursor to explore the site and discover the benefits of thinking ahead.
To discuss the future of your business call us on 0800 015 1921# or we'll call you.
International Trade
Breaking into new markets
Whether you already trade internationally or are looking to expand overseas, gaining a deeper understanding of the issues surrounding overseas markets has never been more important. Record increases in the value of exports and imports cannot fail to have an impact on the success or potential of your business.
So how do you break into new markets with confidence?
Broadening the horizons of UK businesses
From researching the market to marketing your business abroad - this International Trade whitepaper gives you an exclusive guide on how to successfully manage your cross-border commercial activities.
Business Growth
Growing your business
Whatever your future need, be it sustained growth or business expansion, Barclays Commercial Bank offers many different ways of raising finance. We offer the know-how you need so your potential can be realised, with bespoke solutions tailored to your business.
Buying a home for your business
Top tips and advice from Barclays Commercial Bank to guide you through the stress-filled minefield of buying commercial property.
Risk Management
Managing risk today and tomorrow
Being in business requires taking and managing financial risks. Key amongst these is the volatility of interest and exchange rates. With future market conditions remaining uncertain, managing these and considering their impact on your business is integral to your success.
That is why Barclays Commercial Bank have put the award-winning Barclays Capitals interest rate and exchange rate protection products at your disposal.
Awarded ‘Best at Risk Management, Western Europe’ by Euromoney in July 2007. Awarded ‘Best Investment Bank in the UK’ by Global Finance in April 2007. Awarded ‘Best Currency Derivatives House’ by the Asset Asian Awards in Jan 2007.
Interest & exchange rate outlook
Barclays Chief Economist takes a look at the latest interest and exchange rate outlooks and discusses the issues affecting them.
Our view on the UK economy
Listen to experts from Barclays Capital discuss the current trends and issues affecting the UK economy.
The Environment
The environment and your business
Making the environment and green issues part of your business plan is more than just a matter of conscience but one that makes sound commercial sense. However, unless you have the luxury of an in-house environmental team how do you make doing the right thing for the planet the right thing for your business?
The business opportunities of climate change
This article discusses how climate change is increasingly important to businesses of all sizes. Not just because it is the right thing to do, but also because change can present extensive commercial opportunities as well.
Workforce of the Future
The people you need
Running a business can be complicated and time consuming. So the last thing you need is to lose sleep over future workforce issues. Especially if you don’t have the luxury of in-house expertise.
We thought you might like a little help with the especially complex subjects of Employment and Health & Safety legislation.
Attracting tomorrow’s talent
What makes a potential employee apply for a position? Is there a difference between what employers think makes their company a good place to work and what employees think?
E-Commerce
E-commerce and you
The internet offers business a virtual world of opportunity. Sales on the internet have trebled in the last 3 years and many businesses expect that to double in the next 3 years. In short this is a commercial revolution and Barclays Commercial Bank is ideally placed to help you make sure your business maximises this potential with market-leading and secure electronic banking solutions.
Using the internet to your advantage
What part should the internet play in your communication strategy? What difference does business size make to this decision?
Barclays Commercial Bank
A partner for your business
Barclays Commercial Bank understands that the key to success is being able to listen. Because we do just that we really understand the needs of businesses with turnover from £1million to £1billion. We understand their markets, opportunities and plans, which means we can deliver bespoke banking solutions that deliver results.
International Trade
Breaking into new markets
The UK is seeing record increases in the value of exports and imports. The future success of your business could be decided by how well you respond to rapidly expanding foreign markets.
Whether it’s finding new markets for your products and services, or sourcing cheaper skills, materials and products; with a presence in over 60 countries Barclays Commercial Bank gives you the best possible advantage. We’ll provide you with a range of effective trade solutions through a wide range of products and services, including:
- Local trade specialists whose business is to understand your trade cycle
- Real-time foreign currency dealing via BARX Commercial
- Help to research promising export markets, identify suitable export agents and offer event and trade fair opportunities
- International bank account numbers and payment options including letters of credit and collections
- Specific trade finance products including letters of credit, bonds, guarantees and indemnities plus market-leading currency services
- Supplier finance solutions providing a basis for managing commercial negotiations, settlements and the control of the working capital cycle
- Protection against exchange rate fluctuations through Barclays Capital, awarded ‘Best Foreign Exchange Bank in the UK’ by Global Finance in November 2006
About video 01
David Reiss, Chief Executive of Reiss Ltd, the high street fashion chain, talks about the challenges involved in taking your brand overseas.
About video 02
Mark Rushin of Avon Group talks about international trade and the success this has brought his UK manufacturing business..
Broadening the horizons of UK businesses
Export business is a vital component to the UK economy. As globalisation has removed many of the barriers to cross-border commercial activity, it is clear that businesses no longer need to be large to enjoy an international presence. According to a recent survey of mid-sized businesses by Barclays, nearly six in ten trade internationally or have plans to do so in the near future. In July last year, the CBI reported that the UK’s mid-sized businesses have helped to generate an increase in manufacturing export orders for the first time in the past decade1.
International trade can generate fantastic opportunities for our local businesses in a range of sectors, from travel and tourism to manufacturing. Expanding a business into new areas overseas means opening the door to a whole new set of potential customers – 450 million people in the European Union alone. Research conducted by Nottingham University has also shown that businesses trading internationally are more productive than those that do not – they spend more on innovation, they are more capital intensive and their labour productivity is high.
Trading abroad can also present potential pitfalls however, requiring understanding of new laws and regulations, an appreciation of different business cultures and of course the ability to deal with new customers paying in different currencies.
What’s more, interest rate rises have taken many in the business community by surprise, it has caused particular concern to many exporters. If Sterling continues to climb against the dollar, life will become additionally challenging for businesses trading abroad, illustrating just how unpredictable the export business can be.
Making a successful entry into a foreign market is therefore a major challenge that can place pressure on core business activities, making it hard to sustain growth – let alone grow new revenues. So, what steps should businesses take to ensure that they trade successfully on the international playing field?
Researching the market
If you are thinking about exporting for the first time, deciding how to approach your chosen market – indeed deciding which market is best for your business – can be very daunting.
Businesses may choose to sell their product or service directly to customers, or to sell via a third party, such as a distributor trade partner or a franchise network. Either method will involve a complex marketing and distribution process so it is important to be clear about the chosen method of market entry before you start exporting.
Researching the market, and understanding risks as well as the opportunities, is crucial if you want to avoid unpleasant surprises further down the track. Before you finalise your entry method, key elements to consider include:
- The proposed market and its customers – how do they like to do business?
- The nature of your product or service – are there restrictions on how it can be sold; does it need to be adapted to local market requirements?
- Availability of resources – consider finance, language skills, time and technical/marketing resources
Protecting finances
Of course, a key question for any business looking to trade internationally is the financial viability of such a move. Trading abroad can place additional strains on financial resources both in terms of planned expenditures and unexpected costs that might occur such as exchange rate fluctuations.
The unpredictability of the foreign exchange market is especially critical if exporting accounts for a large proportion of revenues. According to a recent survey of UK SMEs by UK Trade & Investment, 43 per cent of exporters generate a third or more of their revenue from exporting and nearly a quarter (23 per cent) get more than half their revenue from overseas trade. With this level of potential exposure it may be prudent to consider taking some protection against adverse exchange rate movement as this could seriously affect your profit margins.
Protection against non-payment is also an important consideration, and for businesses trading within Europe, the use of a credit insurance policy can safeguard payments in the event of buyer default, providing up to 85% of the value of insured sales on an overdraft basis.
For companies that trade outside of the EU, Letters of Credit are often a preferred way of protecting against non-payment and many banks, such as Barclays, can add their own guarantee to these providing additional peace of mind that the payment will be made.
The regulatory environment
The regulatory environment can have a huge influence on opportunities for trading internationally. For importers, for example, changing import restrictions and quota systems necessitates having a spread of suppliers in different countries.
For exporters, the legislative requirements of a foreign market will often dictate how they operate abroad – and whether they decide to trade directly or through an intermediary. As well as taking into account factors such as customs, taxation and local regulatory regimes, new EU legislation resulting from the Unfair Commercial Practices directive is likely to have an impact on exporters once changes come into force later this year. Before entering into any commercial agreements, it is essential to get assistance from an experienced adviser or solicitor to ensure that you are fully protected.
Marketing your business abroad
It is important to remember that target customers in a foreign market may have different needs and expectations to your domestic clients, so you will need to think carefully about tailoring and presenting your product in an appropriate way.
Talking to people on the ground – for example at a local trade fair – will be invaluable to creating an effective marketing plan, with the right channels and techniques for your audience. It is also worth thinking about your external image, and whether potential customers will see you as you would like to be seen. Tailoring your website to make it user (and language) friendly for export customers can be a powerful way of communicating with your target market.
Ultimately there are many factors which will impact on the potential success of a business looking to expand beyond its home territory. Many of these factors cannot be controlled or predicted, but thorough planning and research will help to minimise the risks associated with trading abroad, and maximise potential opportunities.
The good news is that there is a wealth of information out there which can help to make an informed decision. As well as specialist organisations such as UK Trade & Investment which advises British businesses looking to export abroad, your bank will be able to provide invaluable advice to ensure that when you do decide to take the international plunge, you don’t end up in hot water.
Barclays Top Ten Tips for managing export finance
- Ensure that your exchange rate exposure policy matches your company's objectives, and communicate this throughout the company
- Set your budget rate carefully, and then make sure you protect your required profit margin. Gambling can be a high risk to profits
- Forecasts are typically 'informed guesses', use them to help you form your view of movements in the market
- Don't hide from your exchange rate exposure; if you buy or sell overseas using sterling, the risk is with the other party, you may be paying more or becoming uncompetitive
- The movement of the FX market is outside of your control; Barclays can tailor solutions to meet your specific requirements
- Attempt to investigate your competitor's strategy on managing their exchange rate exposure and review your policy at least annually
- Consider borrowing in the currency of your receivables where beneficial interest rates exist (e.g. Euro base 4% Stg 5.75%)
- Structured trade finance can often better leverage cashflow requirements
- Consider obtaining supplier discounts by paying at sight, then use trade finance solutions to obtain the required credit
- E delivery channels can save you time and money, and afford you better control of your business
1CBI quarterly SME trends survey (July 2006)
Business Growth
Growing your business
At Barclays Commercial Bank we offer many different ways of raising finance so you can grow your business. Our Relationship Teams will invest time up front with you to understand your needs and plans so they can advise you on the best way to fund them.
With their help you can tackle problems like day-to-day cash flow with flexible solutions such as:
Overdraft – an ideal source of temporary, short-term finance.
Barclays Select Business Loan – when you need help for more than a month or two.
Sales Ledger Finance – releasing money tied up through factoring and invoice discounting.
Insurance Premium Finance Loan – to ease the impact of insurance premiums by spreading repayments over a 12-month period.
Client Credit For Regulated Professionals – giving clients an extended 12 months to pay fees whilst guaranteeing prompt settlement of fees.
Small Firms Loan Guarantee – available to start up businesses with a proposition that meets our normal borrowing criteria but has no supporting security.
Furthermore your choice of finance can make all the difference when you are looking to refurbish or buy property for your business. That’s why our award-winning* Commercial Mortgages guarantee you:
- Fast decisions
- Flexible LTV
- Capital repayment holidays tailored to your needs
- Bespoke mortgages for doctors, farmers and professionals*
- Cashback linked to social, renewal, education, healthcare and environment schemes
- Potential tax relief savings when buying, developing or refurbishing a commercial property
- Choice of fixed or variable rates
And of course when it comes to buying new equipment such as cars, commercial vehicles, computer systems, plant machinery, fixtures & fittings or other equipment, we can provide you with a fast, easy solution via our award-winning Barclays Asset Finance**.
Buying a home for your business
Today’s growing businesses face not knowing whether it’s the right time to take advantage of a commercial mortgage. On top of this, once the decision is made, you quickly understand that buying a commercial property is a different experience for every business – and it can quickly become a stressful one. To help this, you probably will benefit from local knowledge of the business market in your area, alongside experienced people who can guide you through the process step by step. Barclays Commercial Bank helps thousands of businesses make property purchases – so what are the main steps?
Finding a property
Common ways of finding information about available commercial property are estate agents and billboards. In addition to these there are many local authorities that keep a register of industrial property and the estate departments of commercial companies that may be able to tell you of properties they are trying to sell or divest. Your Relationship Manager is well connected in the local business community and can often help to point you towards the best sources of information.
Finance
When you have found the property to help you fulfil your dreams, how are you going to pay for it? If the building is for your business’ own use, a commercial mortgage could be appropriate and they are widely available. Barclays Commercial Bank offers a range of solutions to meet all of your needs as required including our Flexible Commercial Mortgage for purchase, refurbishment or even equity release on premises already owned. Our loan to value is flexible, as are our interest and repayment structures – we will spend time to understand what best suits your needs. The repayment period is flexible from one to 25 years, with the option of a three year capital repayment holiday at the outset of the loan and another one year during the term of the loan if required. A commercial mortgage could enable expansion and the freedom to use your property in the best way for your business. Buying a property is an important decision for a business, whether as premises or as an investment. With the right financing, guidance and advice from banks, property agents, your solicitor and accountant, it could be extremely rewarding.
Top tips:
1. Get expert advice at every stage of the process
There are business-specific considerations with buying commercial property such as health and safety issues,
where you'd probably benefit from some expert help and advice. You may also need the specialist services of your
accountant or financial adviser for tax-related matters. And in a world of new regulation, issues such as the
energy efficiency of the property can have an important impact.
2. Think about financing your purchase
You will have lots of financial considerations to take into account, ranging from mortgage repayments
to funding alterations to your building, and from arranging insurance to paying stamp duty.
It makes sense to work out all upfront and ongoing costs with your bank manager to see how much you need to buy your business premises.
3. Find and evaluate your property
It can take quite some time to find the best property for you. There’s no point in setting your heart on
a city centre or out of town location if there aren’t any appropriate premises or if local by-laws prevent
activities that are essential to your business. It’s advisable to draw up a list of requirements for your
property type and location and to hand this out to your estate agent.
4. Freehold or leasehold
If you’re considering buying a leasehold property, leases contain clauses affecting many aspects of ownership
so it’s vital to get legal advice.
5. The future? You also need to give some thought to the future. For example, can your business grow and/or diversify at these premises or will this be prevented by the building, its immediate surroundings, the terms of any deeds, or by local planning restrictions?
*Barclays Commercial Bank awarded ‘Best Commercial Mortgage Provider’ by Business Moneyfacts in 2007.
**Barclays Asset Finance awarded ‘Best Leasing & Asset Finance Provider’ by Business Moneyfacts for the 6th year running in 2007.
Risk Management
Managing risk today and tomorrow
Barclays Commercial Bank can help you manage future risk, giving you peace of mind now and in the future through protecting your business against interest and exchange rate fluctuations. Your Relationship Manager and colleagues at Barclays Capital will spend time with you to recognise your specific needs before offering the best solution for you.
Interest rate protection
In the past 15 years the base rate has varied between 3.5% and 15%, and in the past 12 months alone, the cost of borrowing has risen by over 20%. However less than 20% of term borrowing is protected through fixed rate loans or interest rate protection products, which means many businesses may be vulnerable.
But Barclays Commercial Bank can offer you a number of solutions to help manage the risks of fluctuating interest rates. These include:
Interest rate swap – the same benefit of a fixed rate loan, giving you certainty of your borrowing rate.
Interest rate cap – ‘insurance-style’ protection so you can benefit from downward movements
but protect yourself against upward movement above a capped rate for a marginal fee.
Interest rate collar – allows you to maintain interest expenses within a predefined upper and
lower band for zero additional cost, offering you risk management and opportunities depending on market movements.
Exchange rate protection
If your company is involved in international trade, fluctuating foreign exchange rates add a significant risk factor. For example, a strong GBP against USD brings a lot of benefit to importers, whereas exporters might see reduced demand for their goods, or a need to reduce price and profit margins. Barclays Commercial Bank can offer you a number of solutions to help manage the risks of fluctuating currency rates including:
Foreign Exchange Forward Contract – buy or sell foreign exchange at a pre-determined level
and lock in the value of your goods in GBP terms.
Foreign Exchange Options Contract – lock in a guaranteed foreign exchange rate and
also benefit from any favourable movement in foreign exchange.
The Environment
The environment and your business
At Barclays Commercial Bank we recognise that climate change is one of the biggest threats affecting business, and society, today and in the future. It is this understanding that has led to Barclays being honoured as best in class in our approach to climate change disclosure for three years running by the Carbon Disclosure Project as well as being awarded Business in the Community’s National Award for Environmental Leadership.
That’s why we have teamed up with several key partners to develop an exclusive environmental proposition for you; enabling you to save money, boost profits and enhance your reputation through:
- Reducing the cost of financing energy efficiency investments
- Offering you advice on how to deal with environmental legislation
- Saving you money and increasing your efficiency through advice on reducing waste costs and water/energy bills
- Helping you trade carbon emissions through the award-winning Barclays Capital (awarded ‘Best Trading Company’ for the second year running by Point Carbon)
- Helping you improve your internal environmental agenda
About video 01
Tina Morris, Owner Director of LAS Recycling gives an insight into the growing need for the environmentally conscious business practices.
About video 02
Mark Saunders, Owner Director of LAS Recycling about the balance between making profit and ecological thinking.
To discuss the future of your business (and your planet), Please fill out your details here or visit our main site: www.barclayscommercial.com/environment.
The business opportunities of climate change
The business case for taking action against climate change is clear. According to The Stern Review (which is perhaps the most well-regarded examination of the impact of climate change on business) the cost of 'doing nothing' would be between 5 and 20% of GDP whereas taking action is expected to cost less than 1%.
In addition to these economic impacts, the review also outlined some consequences of climate change including a forecasted rise in global temperatures of between 1.5 and 5.8 degrees by 2100. Over the same time frame, sea levels are also expected to rise by almost one metre leading to coastal flooding and we can expect to see more violent storms, desertification, and drops in agriculture productivity. All of these things create uncertainty and disruption in markets that like stability.
Climate change brings new risks that have to be considered including risks to property as a result of rising sea levels, extreme weather events and disruption to supply chains, workforces, distribution and access to raw materials. As a result, companies throughout the world need to, and are, re-evaluating the way they work. Although they will vary from sector to sector, and between geographies, strategies need to be created for adapting to climate change and mitigating impacts on the business.
Barclays has a five point strategy for dealing with climate change and apart from making good business sense, this is the right thing to do. We know we have a responsibility to the communities in which we operate – because we are a large and successful international company, because we are a bank and because we are Barclays. Each aspect of our strategy presents a commercial opportunity either for ourselves or for other companies and moves us towards our end goal of sustainability.
Our strategy is to
1. Offer climate products and services for our customers
2. Increase our energy efficiency
3. Buy green energy
4. Make our UK operations carbon neutral and work towards becoming globally carbon neutral
5. Engage in the climate change debate
Offering related products and services is where we, as a bank, can have our greatest impact, and where we are placing increasing attention and resources.
One of our achievements in the last few years has been to be a major player in the EU Emissions Trading Scheme. This is a market that has seen large-scale fluctuations and change, but its creation is a fundamentally positive step. Five years ago, we could not value carbon and could not make the impacts of emitting carbon meaningful in terms of the bottom line. Now, for the first time, boardrooms have financial incentives to benefit the environment which is motivating companies to adopt and invest in new technologies on a global scale. This approach is being supported by the UK Government who plan to introduce the Carbon Reduction Commitment in 2010, bringing an estimated further 5000 businesses under a cap-and-trade emissions scheme.
Recent activity suggests that, over time, regulation will become more demanding – seeking to reduce the level of carbon emitted. The regulatory burden on businesses will inevitably grow in the form of increased costs or reduced output and so businesses need to consider, now more than ever, how the cost of carbon will affect their bottom line.
Barclays has launched Barclaycard Breathe, a breakthrough credit card which donates 50% of its profits to support carbon reduction. It also has a low interest rate and price discounts when purchasing ‘greener’ products, such as travel by public transport.
The card, launched in July 2007, directly responded to Barclays research showing that most customers want their ‘green’ products to be competitive, given that almost three-quarters of people believe that living a green lifestyle costs more.
This is a crucial point – businesses need to meet head on the myth that green equals expensive. We’ve done that with Breathe. It’s a competitive product that stands on its own price-wise – and has good environmental credentials.
Another key aspect of Barclays’ strategy is to reduce our energy consumption by 20% by 2010 – an ambitious target in the context of a growing business. Given the current economic, regulatory and social climate, and, in particular, the cost of energy, 'cleaning up our own house' is a substantial business opportunity. For many businesses, energy efficiency will be one of the fastest ways to make big savings in energy use.
The business world is clearly changing, but not just because it is the right thing to do. Climate change can present extensive commercial opportunities too. Businesses do not have all the answers to ensure a more sustainable world – but I’m convinced that businesses have a central role that needs to be played in its creation.
Workforce of the Future
The people you need
Not every business has an in-house Human Resources or Employment expert. Even those that do often find they lack the resources needed to deal with emergencies or legal action.
That’s why Barclays Commercial Bank has teamed up with Croner Consulting to bring you an exclusive offer.
Croner Consulting is one of the UK’s largest and most experienced providers of in-depth advice and practical support in such matters. Whatever the size of your business, they will be able to help you through the regulatory maze.
You can benefit from their nationwide network of experts as well as enjoy the one-to-one relationship you get from a local company. They are there to help you: that means a solution that is right for your business, not someone else’s. Whatever your budget or business goals, they have services that can help you plan ahead, deal with day-to-day challenges, improve your efficiency and steer clear of unnecessary risk.
These services include:
- The introduction and updating of Employment and Health & Safety policies and procedures
- Instant telephone advice 24/7
- Employment Tribunal representation
- Health & Safety crisis support
- Audits and reviews of current practices
- Training packages
The consultants are Employment solicitors, Human Resource and Health & Safety professionals. They are recruited from a variety of industries and backgrounds, in order to bring you the rare combination of expertise and commercial awareness.
It is the diversity of their experience that will help you resolve your future workforce challenges and develop the solutions you require.
About video 01
Susanne Baker of the University of Worcester talks about growing the next generation of talent for businesses.
About video 02
Matt Sidwell, Owner Director of Harris Walters Ltd talks about the training and development opportunities that help companies to grow a successful and satisfied workforce.
Attracting tomorrow’s talent
Businesses in the future may miss out on recruiting top talent by failing to understand what motivates a potential employee to apply for a position.
Companies risk failing to recruit top talent simply because they do not realise what it is people are looking for from a potential employer.
In a survey by Croner in January 2007, bosses and employees were asked for their views on what potential job candidates look for in a company. The results revealed a considerable gap between what employers think makes their company an attractive place to work and what motivates employees in their job search.
Almost two-thirds (65.1%) of the employers polled thought that company reputation was the most attractive attribute for potential employees. This was followed by the quality of the workplace culture (54.5%) and staff development initiatives such as training and promotion (52%).
In contrast only 22% of employees surveyed felt that reputation was important, placing it sixth on their wish list of things that gave a company that X-factor.
The two top attractions job candidates looked for were holiday entitlement (43%) and location of work (47%). More than a third (39%) listed equally flexible working and bonuses as important drivers in their search for the perfect employer.
Holiday entitlement has traditionally been viewed by both employers and employees as a benefit. Whether it relates to job grade or length of service, additional holiday has often been seen as one way of recruiting and retaining the best staff and giving firms that competitive edge.
However, with the statutory holiday entitlement increasing in October 2007 by four days and a further four days in April 2009 to make the statutory minimum 28 days, four weeks holiday in addition to bank holidays will no longer seem to be so advantageous. Other than increase the holiday entitlement further still in order to attract or retain employees, organisations may want to look at other benefits they can offer.
Employers may want to think about the next attractive benefits that employees ranked highly in the survey. Although little can be done to change the location of an organisation, home working can be a powerful benefit to employees, as can offering other flexible working solutions.
Traditionally, flexible working has only applied to those with small children, and now applies to carers, but companies that offer a more flexible working programme have seen the benefits.
Being more flexible with employees start and finish times is one option organisations could consider. However, this is not the only option available. Organisations could also consider working from home, where this can be done without disruption to the business. Other alternatives could include working outside normal business hours, enabling the employees to bring back their work/life balance.
The most important thing is for organisations to listen to the employees that they have, to see what benefits they currently like the most, and what else they would like to have.
E-commerce
E-commerce and you
Barclays Commercial Bank has the track record to help your business profit from e-commerce and new technology – we were the first UK bank to use a computer and the first UK bank to have a website. With market-leading electronic banking products none of our competitors satisfy customers for e-banking better than we do*. So, when it comes to utilising technology and the benefits it can bring your business in terms of making and receiving payments, saving you time and money, or exploring new markets and opportunities, you’re with the experts. Why not see for yourself?
Online banking – view real-time balance and transaction information, make inter-account transfers, monitor inbound funds and make payments both in the UK and internationally – an indispensable tool that can be integrated with all major accounting software packages.
BARX Commercial – an internet based real-time treasury dealing service which enables you to book foreign exchange deals, place Fixed Treasury Deposits (Money Markets) and manage Barclays Global Investors liquidity funds from the convenience of your own PC.
e-PDQ solutions through Barclaycard Business – allows you to take cards when a cardholder is not present as well as giving you the option of accepting and processing card payments via our secure site, through our end-to-end card payment solution (ePDQ CPI). You can also integrate the payment process into your own website using our integrated card payment solution (ePDQ MPI) or go for our mail order and telephone payment solution (ePDQ Lite).
And of course we also offer you free information, practical advice and ideas to improve your business via our ‘all about business club’ website designed for medium sized business and available 24/7.
About video 01
Kane Pirie, Finance & Operations Director of Travel Republic talks about how his business has achieved phenomenal growth through the power of e-commerce.
About video 02
Anthony Cook, Company Owner of Mobile Fun talks about the power of the internet and how he has created a successful online business.
Using the internet to your advantage
Research undertaken by Barclays* has shown that the most widely used method of getting new customers for small firms is via word of mouth from existing customers while online is mostly likely to be the fourth customer acquisition method after word of mouth, local advertising and press advertising.
| Methods used to get new customers | % |
|---|---|
| Word of mouth from existing customers/networking | 57 |
| Advertise in press/trade press/Yellow Pages etc. | 30 |
| Advertise locally | 28 |
| Advertise online | 16 |
| Others | 12 |
| Don’t search for new customers, wait for them to come/Don’t know | 11 |
Those who adopted online advertising as a complement to other marketing methods were more likely to be larger, fast growing businesses, described by their owners as ‘still growing and developing’ and who have possibly identified online trading as a mechanism to expand a more established business, without the need to provide a physical presence in other areas.
The methods used to get new customers depended on the nature of those customers (consumers or other businesses), as shown in the table below:
| Methods used to get new customers | B2C only* | B2B only* |
|---|---|---|
| Word of mouth from existing customers/networking | 52% | 60% |
| Advertise in press/trade press/Yellow Pages etc. | 38% | 16% |
| Advertise locally | 38% | 7% |
| Advertise online | 15% | 14% |
| Others | 9% | 15% |
| Don’t search for new customers, wait for them to come/Don’t know | 8% | 14% |
As the table shows, both types of business were most likely to use recommendation from existing customers as a method of getting new customers. However, after this method, the patterns differed significantly. Businesses trading with consumers were much more likely to advertise in the trade press/Yellow Pages or locally, than were B2B firms. In contrast, those with business customers only were more likely not to seek out new customers at all, or to use ‘other’ methods of customer acquisition, including, for example, telesales, direct marketing and exhibitions.
*Millward Brown Customer Satisfaction Survey (year to June 2007)
*Continental Research undertook interviews with owner/managers of businesses with turnover up to
£1m in England & Wales by telephone from their base in London. Interviewing was carried out using a questionnaire designed by the SME team in April 2007.
Barclays Commercial Bank
A partner for your business
We focus on the things that matter:
Relationship Excellence – our high-quality, experienced Relationship Teams understand their customers’ needs and how they want banking to work for them.
Service Excellence – we always start with the basics and make sure they’re right first time and on time. We continue to invest in technology that enables you to bank with us on their own terms.
Financial Expertise – our Relationship Mangers provide access to Barclays’ wide range of financial services and expertise – in the UK and across the globe.
Industry Expertise – Barclays pioneered the development of industry specialism. Our comprehensive and in-depth knowledge covers over 50 industries, as well as our awareness of banking and of your business environment, both local and global.
Your future
In the volatile and constantly shifting world of business, the attention shown to your day-to-day business should be matched by an ability to plan ahead. Understanding that our customers success is our success, we at Barclays Commercial Bank are committed to recognising and addressing potential future trends.
From protecting yourself against market fluctuations to saving money and improving your reputation by going green.
Whatever your business needs to move forward we work to ensure you are equipped to succeed in the future.
To discuss the future of your business call us on 0800 015 1921# or we'll call you.
#Lines are open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm. To maintain a quality service we may monitor or record phone calls. Call charges and information.
Barclays Bank PLC. Registered in England. Registered No: 1026167. Registered Office: 1 Churchill Place, London E14 5HP. Barclays Bank PLC is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Barclays Bank PLC adheres to the principles of the Banking Code. A copy of the Code is available on request.
Please note, the views expressed in these interviews are the views of the interviewees alone, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Barclays Bank PLC Group and should not be taken as statements of policy or intent of the Barclays Bank PLC Group. The Barclays Bank PLC Group has no responsibility for the veracity of information contained in the interview.
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