Allied Irish Bank (GB) [AIB (GB)] are proud to have been able to sponsor several of the EEF’s regional Manufacturing Dinners across the country in 2017. This was a valuable opportunity to meet with manufacturers of all sizes, working across a wide range of sub-sectors, where we could hear first-hand about the opportunities and challenges they face. This feedback supported what our customers have been telling us; manufacturers know now is the time to grow and invest, but they need more support. Unlike traditional banks, AIB (GB) partners with manufacturers, which isn’t about just providing bigger loans, but more about unlocking untapped capital and resources to enable that business to deliver the results it wants.
The current political and economic uncertainty has many manufacturers showing caution and preparing for that ‘rainy day’. However, now is actually the time to invest and grow. No matter what takes place in Westminster, the companies that have prepared themselves for growth with the technology, supply chains and skills of the future, will be best placed to compete in whatever the market place delivers.
In fact, companies are already doing this. At AIB (GB), we’ve helped many manufacturers grow through mergers, acquisitions and developing new product lines over the past twelve months. Others have brought in new systems, driving lean through efficiency and increased production capacity, which will position them well to compete in the reality of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. As we move into this new period, productivity will be a major focus for the UK economy and manufacturing sector. The mass digitisation of the sector and adoption of new technologies and techniques such as connected machines, robotics and using mass cloud based data to streamline manufacturing processes, will be a key driver in this evolution. AIB (GB) is keen to support UK manufacturers wrestling with this evolution and can provide creative financial solutions to assist UK firms to stay ahead of technology curve and remain competitive post Brexit.
No matter their goal, manufacturers who work with AIB (GB) find that we take a different approach to traditional banks. We know that each manufacturer is completely unique, with its own supply chain, client base and growth opportunities. That’s why each of our accredited manufacturing specialist’s only manage small client portfolios, allowing them to form a close working partnership based on an in-depth understanding of that company’s strategy. Every solution we bring to our clients is completely tailored to their aspirations and delivered to their agenda and timescale.
AIB (GB) provide all the traditional loans and finance options you would expect of traditional banks, we understand that this is not the only way for a company to grow and invest. When a company comes to us with a particular goal, we first want to get to know them and their situation, with particular attention to their existing working capital cycle and current funding structure. The majority of times, we can help companies free up capital without additional term debt. And when a company does need funding for an acquisition or capital expenditure, we simply assess against their ability to repay on a cash flow basis.
As with most working relationships a Company needs a financial partner that is able to deliver throughout the businesses growth. It’s amazing how often companies stick with the same bank year after year without realising that what worked for them a decade ago, isn’t working today. If your company is ready to have a different conversation about enabling your growth in a more refreshing way, we’d love to hear from you at Allied Irish Bank (GB).
About Allied Irish Bank (GB)
Allied Irish Bank (GB) is a niche, sector focused commercial and corporate bank which specialises in delivering relationship driven service to medium to large sized businesses. It operates from 16 locations in major business centres across Great Britain, employing over 600 staff. AIB (GB) has been supporting businesses in Britain for over 40 years. During this time, the bank has grown organically with more than half of new business coming from existing customer recommendations.
AIB (GB) is committed to supporting successful management teams and helping to shape success for manufacturing companies. It has partnered with the EEF to work together to support businesses in this sector, supporting its 2017 manufacturing dinners in Yorkshire, the Midlands and the North West.
The AIB logo, Allied Irish Bank (GB) and Allied Irish Bank (GB) Savings Direct are trade marks used under licence by AIB Group (UK) p.l.c. incorporated in Northern Ireland. Registered Office 92 Ann Street, Belfast BT1 3HH. Registered Number NI018800. Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.
