We’re excited to launch the pilot of Couch Talk, our new online format designed to bring the Qorus community closer to real-world innovation projects. Couch Talk is a short, informal, and interactive conversation where members can learn directly from peers about practical solutions and creative approaches in banking. Sessions are live, allow for audience interaction, and are also recorded for our media library, making them a lasting resource for the entire community.

 Who’s on the Couch?

For this Couch Talk, Allica Bank will present their Business Rewards Account, a banking innovation designed specifically for established SMEs. Built for businesses with 5–250 employees, the account aims to rethink business banking by combining strong digital capabilities with relationship-based support and meaningful financial rewards.

The Business Rewards Account offers features such as cashback on card spend, competitive interest on excess cash through an integrated Savings Pot, and access to a dedicated relationship manager — all designed to give growing businesses better value and support from their bank.

During the session, Allica Bank will share:

• How they designed the Business Rewards Account to better serve established SMEs that often feel overlooked by traditional banks.
• The product strategy behind combining digital banking with relationship banking, including the role of dedicated relationship managers alongside modern banking tools.
• How the rewards model works, including cashback on eligible card spend and interest on surplus business cash held in integrated savings pots.
• The challenges of building a proposition tailored to scaling businesses, balancing simplicity, strong financial incentives, and regulatory compliance.
• The results so far, including strong adoption among SMEs and billions of pounds deposited across Allica’s savings and current account products.
• Key lessons learned for banks looking to better support the “established SME” segment through more relevant and rewarding banking experiences.
   
  This Couch Talk is a unique opportunity to hear directly from the team behind Allica Bank’s Business Rewards Account, explore how they are reshaping SME banking, and gain practical insights that can inspire your own innovation projects.