Business banking, import from Iran

[Deleted member 116033]

Hi,

I have just opened a Persian rug shop in Birmingham and we directly import rugs from Iran. We have had our application for a business bank account rejected by Lloyds just because our suppliers are in Iran. All we need is a card machine in the shop so we can take payment by debit or credit card, and we can't do this without a business account.

Does anyone have any ideas how we can get around this? Or where we may be able to get a business account?

I can't even get VAT registered without a business bank account so it makes no sense.

Thanks

 

[chrisbarnes86]

I am pretty sure all UK banks will not accept / are not aloud to accept payments from Iran anymore.

 

[alexlowe]

"I am pretty sure all UK banks will not accept / are not aloud to accept payments from Iran anymore."

I think the payments in will be from UK shoppers?

I would try some other banks and leave out the Iran part... just say you source from european wholesalers.

If you can, get an introduction to an account manager through a friend/aquaintance.

They can be a bit twitchy about new business customers but as soon as the money comes in they relax.

Just make it clear that your not trying to borrow money or get credit.

 

[terak69]

Hi,

I have just opened a Persian rug shop in Birmingham and we directly import rugs from Iran. We have had our application for a business bank account rejected by Lloyds just because our suppliers are in Iran. All we need is a card machine in the shop so we can take payment by debit or credit card, and we can't do this without a business account.

Does anyone have any ideas how we can get around this? Or where we may be able to get a business account?

I can't even get VAT registered without a business bank account so it makes no sense.

Thanks

use a 'paypal' type system - why should uk b(w)anks control you

 

[Lynxdry]

Hello Mate

Try Cater Allen good bank but you need a few grans to open an account with them might be worth a shot, as for paying to Iran I do a few deals there for my own industry we are able to make and recieve payments between EU and Iran there are loopholes so if you need specifics feel free to get in touch.

 

[Deleted member 116033]

Thanks for your replies.
We really only need the business account so we can have a card machine to take payments in the shop. When we go to Iran we just take cash so the bank won't be involved at all. Suppose I will try with another bank and see what happens.
In terms of a Paypal system, how would that work in a shop?

 

[SparkMediaIndustries]

Hi,

I have just opened a Persian rug shop in Birmingham and we directly import rugs from Iran. We have had our application for a business bank account rejected by Lloyds just because our suppliers are in Iran. All we need is a card machine in the shop so we can take payment by debit or credit card, and we can't do this without a business account.

Does anyone have any ideas how we can get around this? Or where we may be able to get a business account?

I can't even get VAT registered without a business bank account so it makes no sense.

Thanks

Good luck you wont get any services from the UK Business from anything to do with Iran at the moment. Technically we are at war with them so not even a Import & Export agent will touch you if you are bringing goods into the UK form Iran case they go BOOM