With banks under attack from business groups that believe the financial institutions should be more supportive of companies struggling their way through the crisis, regional bankers are keen to point out that, while new deals are hard to come by, they are still supportive of existing clients. Ian Bateson, head of business development at The Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) in Liverpool, told Insider: “If a business is showing signs of distress they will be looked after more carefully by a specialist team to bring them back to health. It might need additional cash support, improved financial systems, cost reductions. There’s an impression that banks are under instruction to call in debts, but that’s not the case.” It’s at times like this the “relationship banking” mantra actually needs to ring true and RBS relationship manager Ian Hatch said: “We are under instruction to get as close as we can to our customers. We are trying to identify early on any possible problems or strains so we can help. Any actions are joint decisions with the customer.”

The administrators of Liverpool brewer Cains Beer Company have placed 26 freehold pubs back on the market after talks with pub company Calco Midlands broke down. PricewaterhouseCoopers confirmed to Insider the properties were now back on the market and open to offer until 21 November. Simon Watkin, finance director at Calco Midlands, said: “We had agreed a period of exclusivity whilst we reviewed the assets we were interested in acquiring. However, during that time what is now described as the banking crisis occurred and funds were no longer available at a sensible price.” Cains collapsed into administration in August after posting heavy interim losses and Bank of Scotland pulled the plug on its support of the business.

The Mersey Basin Campaign has begun the search for environmentally conscious companies from across the region to enter the Northwest Business Environment Awards 2009. Businesses of all shapes and sizes are invited to enter the awards by nominating themselves by 2 February 2009 in one or more of the following categories: best environmental practice (products and service), built environment, sustainable procurement, environmental innovation and environmental champions. For more information visit www.merseybasin.org.uk.