Supporting Businesses in Essex

Essex County Council received national recognition at the Guardian newspaper National Public Service Awards 2009.

Essex County Council made the shortlist for the Guardian National Public Service Awards from over 800 award entries. Banking on Essex was judged in the ‘Partnership Working’ category, which recognised Essex County Councils’ pioneering initiative - a municipal banking facility for local small and medium businesses.

Banking on Essex was launched in partnership with Santander Corporate Banking, as a response to the credit crunch, to keep viable local businesses trading during the economic downturn.

Lord Hanningfield, Leader of Essex County Council said:
“I am delighted to see that the effort Essex County Council is undertaking to assist local businesses is being recognised. Our aim has always been to deliver invaluable assistance to businesses in our county.

By thinking innovatively, we can ensure that local businesses get the support they need and in turn, see our local economy flourish.
Essex County Council is proud to be leading the way on groundbreaking initiatives such as Banking on Essex”.

Steve Pateman, Head of Santander Corporate Banking said:
“Santander has a clear strategy of building long term relationships with businesses by providing high level support throughout the economic cycle. The Banking on Essex initiative helps well run and viable businesses, at a time when many financial services providers are reducing the level of support they provide, and we are delighted to be partnering Essex County Council in this innovative scheme.”