The Business Banking Resolution Service (BBRS) is an independent and free dispute resolution service that is appealing directly to professional services firms to see if their current and previous clients’ long-standing bank disputes can be tackled.

The BBRS resolves disputes based on what is fair and reasonable for each case. Businesses going through the service will be assigned a dispute resolution specialist, who will act as a single point of contact and offer practical support. The BBRS can make both financial and non-financial awards when a complaint is upheld.

The BBRS’ Historical Scheme covers banking complaints first registered in the period from 1 December 2001 to 31 March 2019. Businesses may qualify for support if they had turnover between £1 million and £6.5 million per annum at the time of their complaint, and their case has not already been settled, been subject to an independent review, or gone to court. This includes businesses which have since closed, merged or been sold.

The BBRS can also assess more recent unresolved complaints through its Contemporary Scheme, which covers cases for the period from 1 April 2019 onwards: it is for businesses with turnover up to £10m per annum; and total assets up to £7.5m; and which are not eligible to take their complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service.

Businesses with outstanding historical banking disputes are urged to see if they can apply for support using a quick online tool as the deadline for historical complaint applications is just one year away, closing on 14 February 2023.

Paul Scully MP, UK minister for small Business, consumers and labour markets, said: “It is important that businesses who have unresolved disputes with their bank check to see if they can receive BBRS support. Services like the BBRS play a vital role in ensuring SME and their owners, past and present, can access expert advice. The BBRS supports business to address unresolved banking complaints. This service is vital to the UK economy as we bounce back from this pandemic and look to the future.”

Dirk Paterson, customer director at the BBRS, added: “We want to encourage professional services firms and advisors to consider whether their current and previous clients could benefit from the BBRS’ service. If they know of clients with unresolved banking disputes, they can steer them towards us to seek our help to achieve a fair resolution. This includes businesses, trusts, charities, friendly societies, and co-operative societies, and includes directors of businesses no longer operating. We urge them to see if they qualify for our help and, if so, to register. If they’re unsure, businesses can check online or contact us to find out more.”