BankWest has announced major branch expansion plans in Western Australia that include opening new branches, refurbishing and upgrading existing branches into an open plan style, and expanding its sales force by nearly 10 per cent.
The program which begins later this year will bring the number of full service branches to 100 and the total number of retail branches and neighbourhood banks to about 130. BankWest currently has 86 branches in the State.
In announcing the plans today new BankWest Retail chief executive Ian Corfield said that the program demonstrated BankWest's commitment to its home State.
"We have already announced plans to move to a new purpose built 21-floor building in Raine Square by 2009, and our decision to reinvigorate our branch network will further enhance our position in Western Australia," Mr Corfield said.
"Our expanded branch network will enable us to reach even more customers, especially those in some of the newer suburbs, while the new look and feel which we will gradually implement in selected locations, will improve the experience for customers who come into our branches."
BankWest will start expanding and refurbishing its branch network commencing with a new branch in Baldivis on 2 July 2007. It plans to progressively open more branches, and relocate and refurbish a number of others over the next few years.
This is the first announcement from Mr Corfield, who came from parent company HBOSplc in the UK which revolutionised UK banking with its customer-focussed product offering and strong retailing approach to banking.
"I am delighted to have joined BankWest at this exciting time and I'm looking forward to the challenges ahead, both nationally and here in Western Australia," he said. "We have the opportunity to deliver something really different in terms of financial services to Australians. It's only fitting that our existing loyal West Australian customers should be the first to benefit from that strategy."
