Commercial Bank hosts SME customer workshop

Enterprise Banking, Commercial Bank’s dedicated unit for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Qatar, recently collaborated with College of the North Atlantic - Qatar (CNA-Q) to host a workshop titled “Project Cash Flow Forecasting for Construction Projects” for its customers. The fourth in the series, the workshop was attended by a select group of SME business accountants, analysts, owners and key decision-makers from Commercial Bank’s Enterprise Banking customers.Topics addressed in the workshop focused mainly on project cash flow forecasting techniques and steps that businesses could take to manage cash flow more effectively. Through a sample case study, emphasis was laid on resolving common problems of cash receipts, material costs, labour costs and seasonality in order to facilitate a positive operational cash flow throughout the year.  In addition, and in light of the 2022 FIFA World Cup and Qatar National Vision 2030 plans, opportunities and challenges facing SMEs and their preparedness to grow and sustain their business within the framework of the high levels of investments currently witnessed in Qatar were also addressed. At the end of the workshop, the participants commended the efforts of both Commercial Bank and CNA-Q, aimed at developing such co-operative initiatives to support the growth of SMEs by hosting educational workshops and seminars for customers.Commercial Bank regularly hosts customer workshops on topics relevant to the growth of SMEs in Qatar. These workshops provide a platform for Enterprise Banking customers to meet and discuss with their peers on various matters and generate new ideas to benefit their business. “Commercial Bank’s commitment to SMEs through a dedicated unit providing value-added services and tailored solutions, including workshops such as this one, is a clear testament to our interest to support the growth and success of SMEs in the country,” said Kenneth John Clark, head of Enterprise Banking at Commercial Bank. The workshop was conducted by Neal Mannas, accounting instructor at CNA-Q’s School of Business Studies, who has over 20 years’ of experience in marketing and communications, public relations and fundraising management for the education, healthcare and charity sectors. Curtis Avery, CNA-Q’s entrepreneurial mentor at the Entrepreneurship Centre, supported the workshop by welcoming the participants and advising them on the various offerings and facilities available to SMEs at CNA-Q. He also commended the efforts of Commercial Bank’s Enterprise Banking division for the support it gave to SME customers and said, “It is our endeavour to increase knowledge and strengthen skills of entrepreneurs, and contribute towards the Qatar 2030 Vision’s goal of achieving economic diversification.” Customers interested in attending future workshops can e-mail enterprise@cbq.qa or call 44495588.