Handelsbanken
vrijdag, 20 maart 2009
As one of Sweden’s largest banks, Handelsbanken has over 700 branches across Europe, nine of which are based in Yorkshire and Humber. With a company policy of using only local people in each branch, Handelsbanken is benefitting from the region’s skilled financial services workforce.
Handelsbanken has offices in 23 countries, and prides itself on providing excellent customer service, for which it receives regular independent recognition. Each branch runs independently, which the company believes is an essential part of providing customers with the best service; local people running local and personalised services.
Over 345,000 industry specialists means that Yorkshire and Humber has the largest financial and professional services sector outside of London. Over 30 national and international banks are represented in the region, which offer businesses access to invaluable expertise and skills, extending to stock broking, venture capital and private equity management.
An operating cost of 20 per cent lower than the UK average, means that Yorkshire and Humber is an ideal location for any businesses in financial services. A vibrant city centre commercial property market ensures an excellent range of property is available and at very competitive rates compared to many other areas of the UK.
Handelsbanken’s ethos of each branch operating individually, means that they function according to the economic climate of their region. Businesses can also benefit from Yorkshire and Humber’s competitive salaries, whilst accessing the most highly skilled staff.
Andy Copsey, area manager for Handelsbanken explained: “We have a high concentration of branches in Yorkshire and Humber. We have been able to build our business quickly here because we have unearthed a pool of talented bankers, from which we have been able to carefully select professionals who share our passion about giving the best customer service. Our branch managers each have between 25 and 30 years banking experience in the region, which is exactly what we need to deliver the best service locally.
“We opened our first Yorkshire branch in 2001, and the latest opened in January of this year. All are thriving; local people appreciate our great service and understand the benefit of having a reliable bank in these difficult economic times. And with headquarters of some of the UK’s largest banks being based close by, the region is proving to be a hub of expertise in the financial services industry.”