Community comes together for local networking event

A new programme of Community Connections events was launched last night at Santander’s flagship Moorgate branch by Santander UK chief executive Ana Botín and Branch Director Victoria Adams. This is part of Santander's commitment to working with and supporting local communities.

100 guests, including local residents, businesses, charities, and students, heard from a variety of representatives from the local community. These included Tom Barton, Director of Honest Burger; Professor Steve Haberman, Dean at Cass Business School; and local charity City Gateway.

The event gave those attending the opportunity to build and deepen relationships within their local community. On the night several local businesses, including Santander, committed to supporting City Gateway’s apprenticeship scheme for local young people, students gained valuable information from business leaders on starting their own company and working for an SME whilst local businesses also shared useful advice and expertise.

Victoria Adams, Branch Director at Santander UK, said: “Thriving local communities are the key to a strong national economy. This is why it is essential that Santander connects with local people, academic institutions and businesses – and also helps them to connect with each other.

"Our Community Connections events are designed to provide an open networking forum for local people, students, businesses and community groups to discuss the key issues impacting the area, to share ideas and to identify ways to collaborate to support the local economy.”

Honest Burger is a premium burger restaurant, which was able to further expand its London presence – creating 40 new jobs – after securing financing from Santander.

Tom Barton, Director of Honest Burger spoke at the event, giving advice to those thinking of setting up their own business or looking for funding for expansion. He said: “With the restaurant sector a very competitive one, it is fantastic to be able to work so closely with Santander. As well as the financial backing they provide, events like today are testament to the work the bank is doing to ensure local business communities and like-minded entrepreneurs are given the opportunity to further their prospects.”

Over the coming months Santander will be working closely with the businesses, individuals, community groups, and students who attended the event to ensure that they are introduced to more key contacts in their area. The Community Connections initiative is being held at Santander branches across the UK this Spring, with follow up events scheduled for the Autumn.