Austwick hotel The Traddock benefited from the services of Barclays’ head of relationship management, Caroline Pullich, and business manager Caroline Smith as they spent the day working alongside their customers as part of their pledge to find out first hand about their clients’ needs and the issues facing local businesses.

The two Carolines joined Paul Reynolds, joint owner of the family-run hotel, to help with the day-to-day running of the business.

Duties included preparing the dining room for the evening service, polishing, cleaning the bedrooms and learning about the selection of wines on offer.

Ms Pullich said: “As champions of business, Barclays is committed to supporting the local economy and I am committed to finding out more about our clients’ business to help them achieve their ambitions. The more we know and learn about our customers the better, enabling us to provide the right levels of support and advice when required.

“This initiative is taking place up and down the country and is one of a range of measures to support our business banking customers to achieve their goals and grow their business.”

Business-owner Bruce Reynolds said “During these difficult times it is essential that we maintain close links with our bank and ensure they have a genuine understanding of our business. This initiative has been a great success and allows our bank to fully understand our business and the issues we face on a day-to-day basis.”

Following a recent inspection, The Traddock now has an AA award to add to its other accolades, including four stars and an AA breakfast award.