Lloyds TSB is the latest bank to refuse gun dealer business
Chris Wood, who recently took over the ownership of Cranleigh Field Sports, a gundealer based in Cranleigh, Surrey, told Shooting Times that he could not use the Lloyds TSB Cardnet services.
The company had a long-standing account with the bank, but as a “new” client, Mr Wood was asked to sign an affidavit saying that firearms sales would not be included in credit or debit card transactions.
Previously, BASC trade members enjoyed access to Lloyd’s TSB Cardnet schemes, which offered good savings.
David Ilsley, head of BASC’s marketing and membership services, told Shooting Times: “BASC trade members were able to access the Lloyds TSB Cardnet scheme for several years and many made significant savings. However, in mid-2012 we were told that, under new terms, the bank would not be taking on any other BASC trade members — this was a policy decision within the group.”
“They promised to keep serving any existing BASC trade members but, as Chris found out, they will not take on any new ones.”
“Our trade marketing officer, Lin Oxley, has put together a new deal with Barclaycard.”
The new deal can offer significant savings, with one BASC trade member reporting a £5,000 saving.
A spokesman for Lloyds TSB told Shooting Times: “Cardnet looks at all requests for support on a case by case basis and the decisions we make are always based on a range of factors.”
Shooting Times has also heard that HSBC, the bank that refused to do business with London-based gun dealer Archie Bell (News, 23 January), has said that it will now give him an account.
Mr Bell told Shooting Times that he had spoken to the regional head of business banking, who had offered him a year’s free banking by way of an apology after he showed regional managers the article in Shooting Times and after the Gun Trade Association (GTA) held meetings with HSBC.
John Batley of the GTA also met with representatives at HSBC to discuss the issue.
He told Shooting Times: “The GTA had high-level meetings with HSBC, and we are delighted to say that the bank has confirmed in writing that it is not its policy to refuse to do business with registered firearms dealers.”
“The GTA will continue to arrange similar meetings with other high street banks and building societies to discuss the issue, and we are confident that this will have positive results.”
For further details of BASC’s new deal with Barclaycard, visit bit.ly/ZE9zUo
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Lloyds TSB is the latest bank to refuse gun dealer business
