RBS 2008 Annual Report Download - page 22

In February 2009, the Group announced additional funding for
small and medium-sized enterprises (‘SME’). This will be delivered
through 12 Regional SME Funds in England, Wales and Scotland,
with Ulster Bank providing the Fund for businesses in NI.
Along with providing traditional debt finance, the Funds will
offer businesses the opportunity to access other avenues to
help them manage their capital and cash flow through the
economic downturn.
Supporting personal customers
In December 2008, RBS and NatWest introduced measures to
help mortgage customers should they face financial difficulties.
First, repossession proceedings will not proceed for a full
six months after a customer first falls into arrears. Secondly,
customers in arrears will be given the opportunity to seek
advice from independent money advice organisations before
any steps are taken by the Group. These commitments will
remain in place at least until the end of 2009.
Environment
Through the RBS Group Environment Programme, we have
been contributing to the global shift to a more sustainable and
efficient use of natural resources. We have provided a number
of financial products and services that support the environmental
objectives of our customers, such as our Citizens Bank
Green$ense account which rewards environmental behaviour
and our highly successful green savings products. In 2008 we
were one of the world’s leading arrangers of finance to
renewable power projects and we continued to procure
renewable electricity for our UK properties. We completed
large-scale energy efficiency upgrades to several of our main
buildings around the world and continue to help our employees
play their part in protecting the environment.
Our efforts in managing environmental risks and opportunities
were recognised through our inclusion for the second year
running in the Carbon Disclosure Project’s Leadership Index
and our score in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index increased.
21RBS Group Annual Report and Accounts 2008
2008 highlights
More than three million customers registered to use
two factor authentication which provides additional
security for online transactions
Saturday opening extended in NatWest and
RBS branches
MoneySense lessons delivered to more
than 700,000 pupils
100th inner city school bank opened
An additional 1,000 MoneySense Advisers
introduced to NatWest and RBS branches
MoneySense being introduced in the
island of Ireland by Ulster Bank
Additional funding for small and
medium-sized enterprises
New mortgage repossession policy to
help customers who fall into arrears
Inclusion in the Carbon Disclosure Project’s
Leadership Index for the second year running