Free to agents: Banking dispute service endorsed by Propertymark

Propertymark has given its support to a free and independent dispute resolution service, the Business Banking Resolution Service, which is being offered to agents.

It is estimated that, over the past 20 years, some 600,000 businesses could have developed a dispute with their business banking provider that remains unresolved. 

More than 179,000 mid-sized businesses including agents, construction companies, property developers, architects, and residential and commercial landlords dating back to 2001may be able to benefit from the service.

This even includes businesses that have since closed. 

The BBRS and Propertymark, are urging businesses to see if they can apply, particularly those with older unresolved complaints, as the deadline for historical complaint applications is February 14 2023.

Businesses going through the service will be assigned a dispute resolution specialist, who will act as a single point of contact and offer practical support. 

To use the service you must be - or have been - the owner or director or personal guarantor of an SME and have an unresolved complaint against your bank. 

The complaint must not have been settled, subject to a bank review scheme, or gone to court.

Propertymark’s chief policy adviser Mark Hayward says: “Transparency across the property sector is vital for best practice, and therefore I welcome the approach being taken by the Business Banking Resolution Service to support SMEs who are in need of support with a banking resolution.

“With the number of prospective tenants and the number of properties selling above the asking price both breaking records last month, agents are busier than ever and have little time to spend dealing with ongoing banking issues, which the BBRS can support with. 

“Tackling any ongoing disputes head on can only be a positive step for the sector and I urge any agents with ongoing issues with their banking provider to register with the BBBR’s service.”

The BBRS has two schemes, a Historical Scheme looking at cases dating back to 2001, and a Contemporary Scheme for complaints that have arisen on or after April 1 2019. 

Depending on the date the complaint was first logged with the bank, the business needs to have had a turnover of:

2001 to 2009: between £1 million and £6.5 million;

2009 to 2019: between £2 million and £6.5 million; or

2019 onwards: between £6.5 million and £10 million.

Chief Adjudicator Alexandra Marks adds: “We want as many businesses as possible in the property and construction sector - and directors of those no longer operating - to have the opportunity to use the BBRS’ service. 

“We encourage those with unresolved disputes to seek our help to achieve a fair resolution. We urge them to see if they qualify for our help and, if so, to register as soon as possible. If unsure, businesses can check online or contact us to find out more.”