Barclays unveils £14bn fund for smaller businesses to deal with Brexit

Barclays has announced a £14 billion lending fund to help small businesses cope with Brexit.

The initiative includes business loans and overdrafts as well as a series of seminars across the country to give advice to small and medium-sized enterprises.

Barclays said it wanted to help firms prepare for leaving the EU, including exporting goods and staffing issues.

Group chief executive Jes Staley said: “Barclays stands ready to help local businesses in towns, cities and rural communities, up and down the country, during this period of uncertainty.

“Today’s £14 billion fund, along with our broader package of support, shows our commitment to the local businesses that are the backbone of the UK economy.”