Clydesdale Bank Opens Gateway for Business Growth

Businesses in the Thames Gateway area can call on the financial expertise of Clydesdale Bank following the creation of a dedicated team for the area.

The new team will focus on the Kent region of the Gateway, stretching from Dartford to Swale, which is earmarked by the Government for massive investment in its infrastructure and construction of thousands of new homes.

Paul Saunders, Managing Partner at Clydesdale Bank’s Financial Solutions Centre for Maidstone & Thames Gateway, said: “We have set up our Thames Gateway team in response to the area’s growing economic vitality and the need among the business community for flexible banking facilities. We are keen to support local businesses and their investment plans and recognise the area’s considerable potential for corporate and personal economic growth.”

Based initially in Maidstone, the team plans to move into dedicated Thames Gateway Kent premises as soon as possible.

The team will be headed by Jeremy Brett, who is joining Clydesdale Bank as a Senior Partner from RBS Corporate at Thames Gateway. Gavin Coleman from Barclays Corporate also strengthens the team as a new business partner working alongside Andy Bate. Each member of the new team has considerable banking experience and knowledge of the business community in the area and will create a formidable alternative to the big four.

Clydesdale Bank has also appointed two new associates, Jane Richards and Dianne Willett, to support the team.

Adrian Wenn, Clydesdale Bank’s Regional Director (Southern), commented: “Thanks to the recently opened Ebbsfleet International and the promise of a 17 minute journey to St Pancras aboard high speed domestic rail services by 2009, this area is on track for significant growth over the coming years.

“Medway is witnessing major investment with exciting plans for its waterfront and town centres.  The communities of Sheppey are already benefiting from the £100m investment in the Sheppey Crossing, with Sheppey soon to be home to a major distribution centre for Aldi and possibly Morrisons.”

The Clydesdale Bank Thames Gateway team can be contacted on 01622 625400.