Manufacturing managers hit the books

After a pilot phase introducing industry-led courses for the manufacturing sector team, the bank has started to train all manufacturing relationship managers looking after customers in the sector. The aim is to train the first 200+ of the bank's UK-wide manufacturing relationship managers by the end of 2014, with all 600+ receiving the training by the end of the following year. The course is part of the external qualifications – accredited by Chartered Banker – introduced by the bank in 2012. Mark Eastwood (pictured), head of manufacturing for commercial banking at NatWest, said: "The overall aim of the 'International Trade and Manufacturing programme' is to increase our managers' knowledge and understanding of the domestic SME market, UK manufacturing businesses, and the opportunities and challenges UK businesses face when deciding to trade internationally. "More specifically, it will increase their understanding of the changing face of the UK SME market and how they can best support our manufacturing customers." The programme is supported by industry experts including Cranfield University, the Institute of Directors and manufacturing trade body EEF. The EEF's Dr Steve Chicken said: "We are delighted to help RBS gain a better appreciation of the manufacturing sector so as to better provide finance to a vital and growing sector of the economy."