Member Article

New lead for SME manufacturers

RBS and NatWest have extended their support of the manufacturing industry with the recruitment of a new head of sector for the SME market.

Mark Eastwood joins the bank’s specialist sector team as head of manufacturing for Commercial Banking, looking after businesses in the SME market.

He joins Peter Russell, head of manufacturing for Corporate and Institutional Banking, who looks after larger scale businesses in the industry.

Mark has been in the banking sector for around 25 years and with the RBS Group for 10 where he has worked predominately within the SME market place.

He said: “I am delighted to have joined the team and to be increasing the bank’s support for the manufacturing sector.

“Over the past few months I have been working with our teams across the UK to develop a new model to help us support customers by focusing on our priorities for the sector. This includes supply chain, trade, apprentices, renewable energy and technology.

“By focusing on these core areas and developing the expertise of our independently accredited Relationship Managers – accredited by Chartered Banker – I believe we can help support the manufacturing sector in emerging positively from the recession and continuing to make such a huge contribution to the UK – and global – economy. “

The team has been working closely with industry body EEF who have helped shape the training for Relationship Managers through their expert support, materials and delivery.

Peter Russell added: “The bank has supported the manufacturing sector for a number of years with managers up and down the country supporting customers in the industry on a daily basis. The increased focus that Mark will bring to the SME segment is very welcome indeed.

“After a challenging few years the sector is showing some real signs of growth and I am looking forward to working with Mark in further strengthening our position as the bank who really understands the needs of manufacturers and supporting their ambition of achieving sustainable growth.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by NatWest and RBS .