McGrigor backs Islay businesses facing bank manager removal.

Jamie McGrigor, Highlands & Islands MSP, has given his backing to the many businesses on Islay who have voiced concerns about HBOS’ decision not to replace their local bank manager and instead to offer local businesses a call centre in Edinburgh which they call a ‘Relationship Management Team’.

Jamie McGrigor has witten to the Chief Executive of HBOS on the subject.

Commenting today Jamie McGrigor said:

“ Numerous small business customers of HBOS on Islay have contacted me on this subject and I share there concerns.

“ When one considers that Islay has 8 distilleries and brings in millions of pounds each year for the UK Treasury I find this move by the Bank astonishing and I fear it will hit small businesses very hard.

“ It is imperative that people who wish to deal with HBOS can do so without having to deal with a call centre outside the island. In the past HBOS has always advertised the need for and the importance of personal relations between the bank and its customers. While I appreciate that since the credit crunch there has to be some efficiencies and economies, removing one of the most important focal points on the island of Islay should not be one of them. It is a vital link to the prosperity and wellbeing of an island which underwrites a great deal of business for the UK economy.

“ I am particularly concerned that the Bank of Scotland had issued a standard letter saying they had done a survey of their customers which showed they are happy doing internet banking when not one business on the island of Islay has taken part in this survey and neither is any of them happy with the removal of a manager.

“ In addition, Highlands & Islands Enterprise has highlighted the a strong relationship element between banks in the Highlands and their customers.”

Gus Newman of Islay business stormcats said:

“ I cannot understand how a business with a system that works very well supporting over 300 local businesses and is so important to the economy of an Island, is pulling a service that is needed and they can pull out with any consultation or real explanation. It seems they have a standard letter saying after a survey the decision was taken but no businesses on the island was consulted.

“ If this is implemented then it will cost the island jobs. It would be easier to reverse this decision now rather than pick up the pieces later. The policy of centralising services does not fit an already fragile island economy; Islay has a micro economy which the bank's new template will not fit.”

ENDs…

For all further information, please call Jamie’s office on 0131 348 5616

**********************************************************************

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Scottish Parliament. Further information and a range of public engagement activities can be viewed at the Parliament's website

For latest news and information about all aspects of Parliamentary business, MSPs and our work, visit the Parliament's website at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/.