Bank Enjoys Afternoon Tea Date At The Castle

1/7/09

Leading business figures from the region enjoyed a celebration of afternoon tea during an event held at the venue where the meal is believed to have originated.

Around 70 businessmen and women from Yorkshire Bank’s Financial Solutions Centre (FSC) in Nottingham and Midlands-based chartered accountancy firm Smith Cooper came together for the networking event at Belvoir Castle to discuss how businesses can take full advantage of each others’ expertise.

The Duchess of Bedford, Anna Maria Russell, is credited with transforming afternoon tea in England into a late afternoon meal, rather than a simple refreshment, while staying at the Grantham castle during the 18th century.

Both companies’ members enjoyed touring the grounds and having afternoon tea hosted by the Duchess of Rutland, while also taking the opportunity to make new contacts.

Yorkshire Bank private banking partner, Jo Belton, said: “The event went really well and was something very different from what Yorkshire Bank and Smith Cooper have held together before.

“It was a good chance to match up different ideas about how the business community can work closely together to benefit from other people’s expertise and network with both companies’ clients.

“The Duchess was really accommodating and it was an event everyone who attended took a lot out of, and also showcased a magnificent venue like Belvoir Castle.”
 
The Duchess also had time to talk to her guests about a book she is writing on the history of afternoon tea which is being published this autumn.