BankWest, part of the HBOS Australia group, opened the doors of its Canberra Business Banking Centre this week, providing specialised banking services to businesses in the area. The Business Centre, located on a landmark site on the corner of Northbourne and Barry Drive Civic, is the first for Australia's capital city and a significant milestone in BankWest's expansion plans.
"Canberra was a natural choice for this Business Banking Centre because of the strong economic growth in the area. The Canberra region includes businesses from a wide range of industry sectors and it was this diversity that attracted BankWest to the area," said Paul Clark, Chief Executive Corporate and Business Division BankWest.
"We have identified a clear need for specialised banking services across many key industry sectors, by listening to the needs of businesses throughout Australia. Businesses in Canberra can now expect specifically tailored products, expert advice and personalised service."
"Our Canberra Centre will offer our customers easier access to dedicated managers that understand the local business community and the wider economic environment. We're very much looking forward to becoming part of the Canberra community, bringing value to businesses, our existing customers and beyond," continued Mr Clark.
BankWest's customer-driven growth strategy is fully supported by the global strength of HBOS plc, one of the world's largest financial services groups, which is significantly bigger than any of Australia's major banks, and has a strong track record of delivering service and value.
"As part of HBOS plc, one of the world's largest financial institutions with over £440 billion in assets, we have the backing, knowledge and expertise to offer innovative, cost efficient and competitive products and services. That's why we are the fastest growing business bank in Australia*."
"We have made a significant investment in our future here in Canberra. We have the most modern and best business bank premises in town with the latest technology and systems and, more importantly, we have recruited the very best bankers in the Territory." said Paul Clark.
The team at Canberra currently consists of three Commercial Business Development Managers; Malcolm Hardingham, Daniel Wood and James McCourt and two Business Banking Business Development Managers; Andrew Gee and Shay Kashyap. They are supported by two Assistant Relationship Managers; Leo Dallas and Gareth Harvey and
Janet Croker the Relationship Support Officer.
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Notes to Editors:
About BankWest Business
BankWest Business provides a full range of core and specialist business banking products and services to all business market segments from small business to large corporates. From market leading transaction and investment accounts through to flexible business loans and sophisticated Financial Market and International Trade products, we are an organisation committed to making a meaningful difference in the financial services marketplace with our simple and straightforward products. Our energetic approach and attitude aims to reject the status quo and present a significant challenge to the conventions and the competition.
BankWest Business has a presence in capital cities, rural areas and regional locations throughout Australia. We focus on key markets including Property Finance, Small Business, Commercial, Rural and Regional and Corporate.
BankWest has been around for more than 100 years and is now part of the HBOS Australia group with assets of over $39 billion. Backed by our parent company HBOS plc, one of the world's largest financial services groups, we are providing a fresh customer experience and challenging the Australian market. BankWest is the fastest growing business bank in Australia*, and because we are growing, we will try harder to help grow your business.
About HBOS Australia
HBOS Australia Pty Ltd is a holding company formed in 2004 to oversee the operations of the Australian operations of UK financial services group, HBOS plc. HBOSA comprises four diverse financial services operations - BankWest, Capital Finance, St Andrew's Australia and BOS International. Its parent, HBOS plc, is one of the world's largest financial services groups.
*Measured by market share growth, number of new managers hired and number of new Business Banking Centres opened.
Media Inquiries:
Natalie Causley
Media Relations Manager, HBOS Australia
Tel: (02) 8299 8261 or 0400 241 663
natalie.causley@hbosa.com.au
