Billy MacLeod

Over the last six weeks, Allied Irish Bank teams have experienced a significant surge in customer calls and queries. They have responded to over 16,000 calls in the last four weeks. 

Over 600 business customers have requested extra support, with 99.5% of all applications to date receiving approval. 

This support has included payment holidays on loans, overdraft extensions, working capital facilities, relaxed covenant terms, loans and overdrafts. 

The activity was carried out before the bank’s accreditation to CBILS by the British Business Bank. 

Billy MacLeod, regional director Scotland and North East England at Allied Irish Bank, said: “We are constantly looking at ways to support our customers during these difficult times and it is great news that we are now in a position to deliver CBILS support. 

“As the situation evolves, we can assure customers that we will remain flexible in our response and continually review our services as necessary, always putting their needs and safety at the forefront of our thinking.”

The AIB Group has also launched the ‘AIB Together’ initiative to help support local communities by raising much-needed funds for charities who are central to the management of the pandemic.  

The bank has given £1000 to every one of its business centres and branches to donate to a charity of their choice, including Glasgow, Edinburgh and Newcastle. 

Staff have set a target of raising €1m with the group agreeing to match all funds raised to support local charities, such as Age UK, who are working hard to support the most vulnerable at this difficult time.

Adrian Moynihan, head of AIB NI & interim head of GB, added: “These are extraordinary times that require extraordinary measures. In the face of this unprecedented medical, social, and economic crisis, we are keen to mobilise all the resources at our disposal in a strategic way. 

“Not surprisingly, for many of our business customers the solution does not involve further capital borrowing or loans and instead we are working hard to offer them immediate cash flow support through, for instance, repayment holidays and relaxation around lending covenants.

“While it differs from sector to sector, those requiring loans have been accessing the bank’s own competitive products to date and now we are in a position to offer them access to government-backed CBILS scheme where this is the most appropriate solution.”

The safeguarding of customers, staff and communities continues to be Allied Irish Bank (GB)’s main priority as the situation with COVID-19 evolves and customers are asked to only visit a business centre if it is absolutely essential.

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