Bankers set out proposals for supporting small businesses through the downturn

Leading high street banks have pledged their support for small businesses struggling through the economic downturn, the British Bankers Association (BBA) said today.

The BBA is writing to MPs today to set out a list of proposals that banks will take to help small businesses cope with the economic slump.

BBA chief executive Angela Knight said that recent talk of recession mean it is inevitable that some businesses will not survive despite assistance from banks, government and voluntary agencies.

But she added: “The businesses that will succeed through this downturn are those currently reviewing their business plans and engaging with their banks to prepare for a slump.”