Businesses in the City of Whittlesea can now experience a fresh approach to business banking first hand, with the launch of a new BankWest business banking centre in Thomastown.
Gary Johnson, Head of Commercial Banking for BankWest said that the new centre is an essential element in the bank's commitment to growing Australian businesses.
"While BankWest has been operating in Victoria for over ten years, we're now stepping up a gear, establishing new business banking centres and taking our services to the areas where businesses need us the most, and providing customers with real banking alternatives," he said.
"We provide each customer with a dedicated manager, trained in the realities of Australian industries, who understands the local business community and the wider economic environment. They take the time to get to know their customers' businesses and sign a pledge stating that they will remain in their role for a minimum of two years," Mr Johnson said.
Federal Member for Scullin Harry Jenkins, who attended the official opening on Wednesday 28 June, said the dedicated BankWest business centre in Thomastown is a vote of confidence in the area's economic development.
"Population growth, transport links, the diverse workforce and our quality of life in the City of Whittlesea have all stimulated the local economy," Mr Jenkins said as he officially opened BankWest Thomastown. "To see this recognised by a national bank providing financial services to business is a great vote of confidence in the future of our region."
Thomastown's position as a key business district and strong economic hub will strengthen over the next decade with the relocation of the Melbourne Wholesale Market to the area and given the availability of numerous industrial and commercial sites for business development.
"The new BankWest business banking facility will directly create several new local jobs and it is to be hoped that the presence of this service will also have a multiplier effect on employment as staff provide finance, advice and support to meet the needs of growing local businesses.
"It gives me great pleasure to welcome BankWest as the newest provider in our local financial services market." Mr Jenkins said.
BankWest, part of HBOS Australia has a growth strategy to become a significant force in Australian financial services, through a strategy focussing on driving competition and change in the banking industry, and has enjoyed considerable success over the last eighteen months.
Its parent company, HBOS plc, has been heralded as the single biggest driving force for change in the UK banking market.
Mr. Johnson explained, "By providing a fresh approach to business banking, BankWest can become a catalyst for similar change in the Australian market.
"We are listening and responding to what customers tell us they want.
"For example, we have industry specific lending guidelines in a number of core markets, including aged care, childcare, agribusiness, pharmacy and hotels/pubs/clubs.
"These flexible lending guidelines allow the bank to extend finance over the going concern of the business and offer flexible length of term and repayment schedules. "
BankWest Thomastown Business Centre is located at 60-70 Mahoneys Road, Thomastown, and extends BankWest's footprint in Victoria, which includes centres in Dandenong, Ringwood and Waverley, key Melbourne business districts.
Media Contacts:
Natalie Causley
Media Relations Manager
HBOS Australia
natalie.causley@hbosa.com.au
Tel: (02) 8299 8261
Cora Trevarthen
Office of HARRY JENKINS MP. Federal
Member for Scullin
03 9467 8055
0418 770 484
