NatWest join forces with Sheffield Chamber

6th March 2013

A national bank has officially established a new partnership with the Sheffield Chamber of Commerce.

The South Yorkshire commercial banking division of NatWest has become a patron of the Chamber for the next 12 months. As patrons the company receives a host of benefits through the partnership, such as attendance at exclusive events and support the Chamber on raising awareness of the key issues affecting the economy in their respective sectors. NatWest has developed a closer relationship with the Chamber after sponsoring the Global Manufacturing Festival in Sheffield for the last two years. Andy Lowther, director of commercial banking at NatWest South Yorkshire, said: -The partnership with the Chamber will provide us with an opportunity to raise awareness of our support to SMEs across the city region. -It is also part of a national strategic partnership NatWest is developing with the British Chambers of Commerce. Making finance available for businesses is critical to the growth of the economy, locally and across the country. It allows companies of all sizes to take expansion plans from the drawing board to reality and we are working hard with many businesses on a variety of funding packages. NatWest joins the University of Sheffield, Meadowhall, Irwin Mitchell, Sheffield Hallam University, Westfield Health and Amey as patrons of the Chamber. Amanda Pilgrim, head of business development at the Sheffield Chamber, said: -We are pleased such a well-known national organisation such as NatWest has joined the Chamber. -This addition to our list of patrons will ensure the Chamber has a strong voice when we lobby Government, the LEP and local authorities on key issues such as business growth, access to finance and infrastructure investment. Also, NatWest's vast knowledge, experience and contacts in the local business community will be invaluable in raising awareness of the support services available through the Chamber. Any business interested in becoming a Sheffield Chamber patron should contact Amanda Pilgrim on 0114 201 8907 or email amanda.pilgrim@scci.org.uk.