High street bankers this week pledged they were ‘open for business’ after a business surgery session arranged by Harriett Baldwin MP. Four major banks were represented at the event which was aimed at helping local businesses get access to proper financial support. The banks took part in an hour-long debate and then individual businesses enjoyed one to one advice sessions with a senior representative from their bank. Harriett commented: “I have had a number of businesses approach me over the last few months complaining that they did not feel that they were getting proper support from their bank. “I arranged this surgery session to make sure that any local company could come and meet face to face with a senior banker to discuss their problems. “I am grateful for the banks who took the time to participate and I thought their input was very useful. “This is clearly a challenging time for us all and I hope that businesses will be encouraged by the promises made by the banks that they are open for business and that there are real human beings that they can approach for help. “Worcestershire has a high proportion of start-ups and small businesses and we need them to be at the vanguard of the recovery. I also hope the banks will support them and play their part in local economic growth.”