RBS and NatWest will provide interest free loans of up to £25k to small business customers directly impacted by the riots across the Midlands for up to 6 months. 

This is intended to help viable businesses, who would otherwise struggle to access short term funding, get back on their feet and trading again. This will create immediate funds for those waiting on financial support from either the Government or their insurance company. At the end of the 6 month period, businesses can either repay the loan from these funds or transfer any outstanding amounts on to one of our range of flexible loan products. 

Steve Wakelin, managing director, business banking in the Midlands said: "We want to do everything we can for businesses affected by the riots. These loans will help firms waiting for insurance payments or needing urgent repairs to open for business as soon as possible. I hope that other banks will also be able to help small businesses recover, our high streets are vital for local communities and the economic recovery." 

Businesses affected should speak to their relationship manager or our business hotline to find out how we can support them to get their business back to normal. Our Business 

Hotline numbers are as follows:

NatWest business hotline: (UK) 0800 158 5977

RBS business hotline: (UK) 0800 092 3087

The launch of the fund is in addition to a wide range of support already being provided to our customers including short term funding, fast track processing of requests, repayment holidays on existing loans and refunding of overdraft fees incurred as a result of the riots on a case by case basis.