“One of the common things we hear from business owners is that help is often not there when they need it. They say that they only hear from the bank when the bank wants something.”
What they’re saying is that this should be turned on its head and banks need to become true business partners. We agree.
That’s why we’ve revisited our approach and developed a clear set of strategies to be there – at the right time, and with the right solutions – for our business banking customers. We’re determined to be on the top of the list when businesses choose their bank or when they recommend a bank.
We started from ground up. In the past three years we have put in place: a market leading new loan origination system; more than 500 additional bankers in the front line; and established dedicated commercial banking centres with five new sites opened and a further 20 planned in the coming year. Added to this we’ve turbo-charged our training with some 1,300 team members attending this year.
Our game plan now has four strategic legs. First, we are developing a stronger local market presence, with a particular focus on high growth business parks and regions. Second, we are setting ourselves apart through our cash flow and wealth expertise. Third, we’re making it easier for businesses to deal with us. And fourth, we’re continuing to invest heavily in the business and banking skills and capabilities of our people.
It’s all about doing the right thing for business – right people, right place, and right solution.