Accelerating growth across the UK

When Tony Clowes, Director of Commercial Banking, Commercial Mid-Market for North London, was approached by Enfield London Borough Council to discuss how they might work together to support local businesses, he decided to go one step further.

As well as hosting networking sessions for local businesses, Tony and the wider NatWest team delivered Financial Foundations upskilling to council colleagues.

“Offering sessions to Council staff was valuable, both on a personal level, to build their education, but also at a wider level,” explains Tony. “Many of these individuals represent other areas of the Council, and regularly deal with vulnerable individuals and the community groups that support them,” he continues. “We wanted to raise the bar and show how we can add more value to our customers and communities, by working together across the bank to support them.”

Reflecting on the Financial Foundation workshops, Maria Dadamo of Enfield Council says: “Colleagues found both the Cost-of-Living and the Fraud and Scam workshop very beneficial. With costs going up, it’s helpful to be clear in your own mind about your income and expenditure, and to be able to budget appropriately.”

Colleagues also shared feedback around how valuable the knowledge they gained will be in supporting their own customers.

Reflecting on the value of the Financial Foundations programme, Maria is full of praise: “It’s such a good programme,” she says. "I was really surprised that NatWest offers these sessions to everyone in the community – not just their own customers."

Local Branch Manager, Mandy Balci, was one of two NatWest colleagues facilitating the sessions. She adds: “I think Council colleagues were really taken aback by the support we offer, which was good to see.

“There were staff there who work closely with charities and other local community groups. They were able to see first-hand just what we can offer when it comes to helping people build their financial capability. As a result, we’ve now delivered other sessions in libraries and venues across the borough. And we’ve got more in plan.”