38 BANK
OF THE YEAR AWARD
SPONSORED BY BCMS WINNER HSBC
Above: The winning HSBC team with Andy Hunt of sponsor BCMS (right) Left: Alex Fuller of Santander (right) receives a Judges’ Certificate from BCMS
The much-prized ’Bank of the Year’ title was contested by three very well-known ’high street’ names – Barclays, HSBC and Santander.
From expansion funding and revolving credit facilities to acquisition finance and support of a leveraged buyout, Barclays had produced a strong year supporting businesses in the Solent region. Deals ranged from £1 million to £200m and included a number of re-banking propositions.
HSBC southern corporate banking had enjoyed another outstanding year, with one nomination highlighting the bank for “being very supportive throughout a complex transaction“. Another praised it for “fully understanding“ the customer’s needs and devising a bespoke package to service those requirements. A standout deal was Palmer & Harvey where the Southampton team joined a multi-bank syndicate providing significant support.
Lending for the Solent region Santander team increased 13% in a declining market despite the bank now competing directly with the ’Big Four’ established banks across the region. Described by one nomination as the “insurgent bank with a fast-paced determination to deliver support to local SME businesses“, Santander, which lent close
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to £200m last year, continues to win market share in the south following its arrival only four years ago.
The Deal Award judges wanted to recognise one bank as an Outstanding Performer in this category, not least with its Breakthrough scheme making good headway. Santander received a Judges’ Certificate awarded to them by Andy Hunt, commercial director of category sponsors BCMS.
However, the judges felt there was only one choice for the winner – based on the strength of nominations and the deals portfolio undertaken in the qualifying period. Andy Hunt presented the trophy to HSBC.
Mark Frettingham, head of southern corporate banking for HSBC, was delighted to win the ’Bank of the Year’ title, making it a 2014 ’double’ with HSBC having gained the Thames Valley Deals Awards title as well earlier this year.
He revealed the title win was actually the fifth year in a row for HSBC (Solent and Thames Valley Awards). “I have got a fantastic team and we enjoy doing the job, dealing with customers and being part of a strong bank. This award is a great recognition for all our hard work.“
Can HSBC make it six in a row? “Well, 2013 was a great year, but already in 2014 we have done at least as many transactions, with the breadth and quality of the deals increasing.
“The key thing for us is that we have strategic conversations with our customers, so no matter what the complexity of the business, we understand it. Having taken the time to understand their requirements, we then provide the appropriate solutions.“
Frettingham added that he is currently “investing in people“. Two analysts have recently been recruited and he is looking for additional talent to enhance his team. “Because the business is growing we need more people.“
Soon, compere Mark Durden-Smith was reminding taste-buds that desserts and coffee were on their way, after which only three awards remained to be revealed – the results still unknown, being awards voted for by those attending.
One other result, again influenced by personal choice, was unknown too, said Durden-Smith as he urged everyone to fill their charity donation envelopes.
THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE – SOLENT & SOUTH CENTRAL – JULY/AUGUST 2014
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