UK Business Banking with major overseas shareholder?

_gas

Hi all, 

I've recently formed a limited company as the minor shareholder, whilst my business partner and French national is the major shareholder.  I approached Lloyds, who i'd banked with for a number of years as a sole trader - to be told a business account can only be opened by a British national with major shareholding.

This seems irrational to me, but having now spoken to a number of name high street banks i'm left pondering online banks as the only way forward.

Has anyone else had a similar experience?   I'd appreciate hearing how you resolved this impasse and how the "new" online bank has performed.

Many thanks

prayner

I have come across this same issue, so would be interested if anyone has managed to get a high street business bank account opened, rather than an online only account?

penners324

Tide might be your only option.

Why just a high street bank? There business accounts without fees available from Starling, Monzo, Virgin and others