Yorkshire Bank makes new senior appointment in Merseyside

18 January 2016

Yorkshire Bank has appointed a new Head of Business and Private banking at its Merseyside Centre as it looks to increase support for the local business community.

Ian Walkden, formerly Head of Commercial and Small Business across the West of England, now leads the team based at Yorkshire Bank’s Merseyside office.

Ian brings a wealth of experience to the region thanks to a 31-year career at the Bank, during which he has held a variety of senior roles. Ian has spent the last 19 years working in Manchester but he has also been based at both St Helens and Warrington. His new geographical remit covers from Liverpool to Crewe.

Ian Walkden, Head of Business and Private Banking at Merseyside, said: “The Merseyside Centre covers a wide area taking in a range of diverse businesses across a variety of industry sectors, and I’m keen to make the most of opportunities for local businesses, particularly SMEs, looking to grow. I’m proud of the personalised, one-to-one care we provide for every business we support and living just 15 minutes away from the new centre means I already have a working knowledge of the local business landscape.”

Simon Wright, Regional Director of Business and Private Banking at Yorkshire Bank in the North West, added: “Ian is an ideal candidate to lead our team in Merseyside. His longstanding career in the Bank combined with his awareness of the challenges and opportunities that exist locally will be a great asset.”

Ian succeeds Stewart Cook, who has moved to head up the Preston Business and Private Banking Centre.

Yorkshire Bank recently launched a series of lending initiatives for UK businesses, designed to encourage growth for new and existing customers. As well as capital-free periods for up to five years, the Bank has also introduced high percentage funding for businesses to purchase trading premises.

Yorkshire Bank has also strengthened its support for UK SMEs by becoming the first to partner with the British Business Bank under its ENABLE Guarantees scheme. Up to £125m of new lending by Yorkshire Bank will help more small businesses achieve their growth ambitions.