A new corporate business centre (CBC) in Aberdeen marks the next stage of Santander’s growth in a key city, the bank said yesterday.
The new Granite City operation adds to a growing network of Santander Corporate and Commercial CBCs throughout the UK.
It has been up and running at 17 Carden Place for only a few weeks, though its 14-strong team has taken shape over the past couple of years as Santander grew its presence in Europe’s energy capital.
The latest recruits are relationship directors Dave Walker and Stuart Thom.
Santander now has Scottish CBCs in Aberdeen, Inverness, Edinburgh and Glasgow employing more than 80 people.
The centres are aimed at corporate and commercial customers turning over more than £250,000 a year.
Aberdeen’s is led by Graham Silcock, Santander Corporate and Commercial regional director for Scotland.
It also includes senior relationship director Jamie Ritchie, large corporate relationship director Derek Busby, commercial property director Barry Gibson and business development director Robert Brechin.
Plans for further additions to the Granite City team include an international trade director to boost local access to Santander’s global network and expertise.
Mr Silcock said: “Aberdeen has established itself as one of the most influential and innovative energy cities in the world through the success of its offshore oil and gas industry over the past 40 years.
“The energy sector continues to have an outstanding impact on the city and the wider economy, and we are delighted to be able to support businesses across the region from our new corporate business centre.”
A spokesman for the banking group added: “Opening a dedicated CBC in the heart of Aberdeen represents the next stage of our growth in this key city.”
Santander said the expansion of its CBC network coincided with average 20% annual growth in its lending to UK businesses.
Founded in 1857, the Spanish group’s global business had more than £1trillion in managed funds, 107million customers, 13,225 branches and 183,648 employees at the close of June 2014.