Our response to Covid-19

Our ongoing support for businesses during Covid-19

We recognise the significant impact Covid-19 is having on many businesses, and we’re here to help now and in the future.

As a funder established almost 40 years ago, we have supported businesses through different economic climates. We remain open for business, and globally our total funding capability exceeds £1.2bn.

This means we have availability to support businesses who have experienced cashflow pressure due to impacts to supply chains, those requiring additional working capital or asset finance, importers and exporters, and businesses needing support with challenges associated with currency volatility.

Want to speak with a member of our team about any concerns?

The key is that we are open to business and want to work with SMEs in all sectors to structure facilities which not only help them in the short-term, but also into the future. Edward Winterton, UK CEO, Bibby Financial Services

Our clients

Our clients remain at the heart of what we do, and we remain committed to supporting them during this period and beyond. We are confident that the measures we have taken will not impact service levels, funding availability, cover, or points of contact where possible.

Should you wish to discuss additionally funding, or foreign exchange support, please contact your BFS relationship manager who will be able to discuss this with you.

For further information, download our full response to COVID-19.

Download our full Response to COVID-19

Expert opinion on the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic

The Covid-19 pandemic poses significant challenges for businesses of any size and across all industries.

This is why our business experts have provided commentary and guidance on the issues which are impacting our clients globally.

For unique insights into today’s business challenges, read our blogs and reports to discover the support which exists for your business.

Covid-19: How UK SMEs are responding - Read our report following a survey of 500 UK SMEs, detailing the impact on the pandemic and responses to Govenment support
Currency volatility and overseas trade – Michael McGowan, Managing Director – Foreign Exchange, explains how businesses trading internationally can mitigate currency fluctuation risks.
SME funding during coronavirus pandemic - BFS Global Chief Executive David Postings considers the public and private sector funding currently available to businesses
BFS confirms support measures for businesses during pandemic – our UK CEO Edward Winterton lists the financial support available to our new and existing clients
Supporting businesses through uncertainty – an overview of the global and local response to support businesses during the virus outbreak

Our preparedness

As an international business with more than 1,200 colleagues worldwide, and over 12,000 SME clients, we have an established Business Continuity Plan in place, which is owned and managed by our Global Risk Team.

This includes regular Business Continuity Planning (BCP) Committee meetings, made up of cross-functional representatives, responsible for developing and testing our issues and crisis response planning.

Measures we have taken

In response to COVID-19 we have implemented our Business Continuity Plan to ensure that we can mitigate risk in a responsible, measured and proportionate way. Initial measures we have taken include:

Implementation of remote working for all colleagues.
Establishment of a COVID-19 Taskforce, which is meeting regularly in order to manage our risk in a responsible, measured and propionate way.
Issued guidance to all colleagues on following basic hygiene measures, and instructions on what to do should they feel unwell.
Guidance and support for colleagues who are required to self-isolate or quarantine.
Suspension of all non-essential business travel with immediate effect.
Cancelation of business events, non-essential face-to-face meetings and conferences until further notice.

Download our full Response to COVID-19