MORE than three-quarters of businesses in the region do not trust their banks' advice, a survey showed.
Research conducted among 200 businesses with a turnover of more than £1m showed that 82 per cent did not trust their bank manager.
Gerry Milligan, general manager of FLG Corporate Services, which carried out the research, said: "This is not good news for the business banking sector.
"The time has come to ask more fundamental questions about how banks interact with customers and how customers interact with their bankers."
The survey also found that 68 per cent of respondents found approaching their banks to raise borrowing was an intimidating experience.
Mr Milligan said: "Blaming the bank manager directly is a bit like shooting the messenger. E-banking and the subsequent lack of personal contact, the complexity of financing options available and the range of products on offer have all contributed to a situation where it is unrealistic to expect expert, tailored advice on complex issues."
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