A&L expands business centre operations in Yorkshire and North East

Alliance & Leicester Commercial Bank today announces the expansion of its business centre operations in Yorkshire and the North East due to increasing demand for the bank’s products and services, creating new jobs in the region.

The bank’s Leeds based, West Yorkshire Business Centre has seen lending double since it launched in 2005, and is on target to do the same this year. In addition, the North East Business Centre, based in Newcastle, has also exceeded projections and continues to grow. Due to the success of the business centre network in the region, the bank launched a further business centre in Sheffield in May 2007 and has announced plans to launch two further business centres in Tees Valley and Hull by the end of the year, as part of the bank’s nationwide expansion plans for the business centre network.

David Spencer moves to the role of Head of Yorkshire and North East Business Centres, overseeing the development of the business centre network in the region. In addition, David has appointed Mark Whitaker to head up the bank’s West Yorkshire Business Centre, based in Leeds.

Mark Whitaker has over 25 years’ banking experience, joining the group from Leeds based Chartered Accountants, Henton & Co, where he was Commercial Director. Prior to that, Mark worked on the front line for Yorkshire Bank for over 20 years, culminating in becoming Regional Business Manager at the bank’s business centre in Leeds and finally his appointment to the role of Project Manager, reporting to the Chief Executive, and tasked with revitalising the bank’s business and retail banking.

Mark Whitaker, Head of Alliance & Leicester Commercial Bank’s West Yorkshire Business Centre said:“I chose to join the bank because of its customer focus and competitive, alternative approach which differentiates it from other banks and offers businesses real value. I look forward to building on the Business Centres’ success to date and to playing my part in helping businesses in West Yorkshire to prosper”

David Spencer, Head of Alliance & Leicester Commercial Bank’s Yorkshire and North East Business Centres, said:“Mark Whitaker is well known and respected in the Leeds business community and I am delighted that he has chosen to lead the team at our West Yorkshire Business Centre. Mark’s extensive knowledge of the industry and his focus will be a real asset to the bank, helping us to drive the business forward as we expand our operations in the region.”