Businesses in the City of Fairfield can now experience a fresh approach to business banking first hand, with the launch of a new BankWest business banking centre in Wetherill Park.
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.
"BankWest has been operating in NSW for over 10 years. We are now stepping up a gear, establishing new business banking centres 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.
The Mayor of Fairfield City Council Nick Lalich, who attended the official opening on Wednesday 16 August, said the dedicated BankWest business centre in Wetherill Park 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 Fairfield have all stimulated the local economy," Mr Lalich said as he officially opened BankWest Wetherill Park. "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."
"The new BankWest business banking centre will create several new local jobs and it is hoped that their presence 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 to our local financial services market." Mr Lalich 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 Business Centre Wetherill Park is located at Suite 2, 1111 The Horsley Drive and extends BankWest's footprint in NSW. This is the second BankWest business centre in the south west area of Sydney and the fifth centre outside the CBD. Other BankWest business centres are located in Chatswood, Kingsgrove, Norwest and Parramatta.
