YORKSHIRE Bank has launched a new funding package for growing businesses after reporting it made £264 million underlying profit in the six months ended 31 March 2010.

The bank’s cash earnings before tax grew 17 per cent to £81 million, which it said put it on track to deliver £10 billion of new business and mortgage lending by October 2011, including £2 billion in Yorkshire.

Its new funding package, Investing For Growth, offers loan repayment holidays, interest-only repayments and extended loan and credit terms to provide more flexibility for growing businesses.

Richard Norrington, regional director for Clydesdale & Yorkshire Banks in Yorkshire, said: “We are being bold and taking a leading position to help UK businesses grow.”