Business owners, entrepreneurs, professionals, residents, charities and representatives from the University of Chester attended a networking event at Santander’s newly refurbished Foregate Street branch in the city centre.
The event provided a platform for the local business and community network to discuss the issues affecting them and the region, as well as exploring opportunities to work together. Attendees also heard from CH1 Business Improvement District’s director Paul Daniels.
The event, which is part of Santander’s nationwide Community Connections initiative, is aimed at helping communities prosper by connecting local businesses, providing an open support network and boosting local projects. The bank is a consistent supporter of small businesses across the UK, with lending over the last four years growing by an average of 20% per annum.
Andrew Jones, branch director at Santander’s Chester branch, said: “A bank should be a part of the local community, forming strong partnerships and playing an active presence in people’s lives. It should help to forge stronger links across communities, between big and small businesses, entrepreneurs, students and universities, charities, and individuals. This is what Community Connections is all about.”
Paul Daniels, director at CH1 Business Improvement District, said: “Prosperous communities and business are really important to sustain and maintain our local economy and it’s fantastic to be able to work so closely with Santander. As well as the financial backing they provide, events like today are testament to the work the bank is doing to ensure local business communities and like-minded entrepreneurs are given the opportunity to further their prospects.”
The Santander branch, located on Foregate Street in Chester, was recently re-opened following a refurbishment and now has a range of new customer services. These include four till positions, two digital ATMs, two ATMs outside the branch, eight private interview rooms, two advice desks, and a special reception area to meet, greet and direct customers as they enter, as well as refreshed décor throughout.
Over the coming months Santander will be working closely with the businesses, professionals, charities and individuals who attended the event to ensure they are introduced to more key contacts in their area. Santander also works closely with universities around the country to provide students with both financial and career advice, as well scholarships, grants and internships to support higher education and invest in future generations.
The Community Connections initiative is being held at Santander branches across the UK, with 15 events scheduled over the coming months.
