Traditional focus pays off for Yorkshire
YORKSHIRE Bank’s traditional methods have allowed it to succeed during the downturn but it has “taken no pleasure” in other institutions’ failings, its chief executive said last night.
Lynne Peacock was speaking at a dinner held to mark the launch of a £150,000 fund by Yorkshire Bank to help support charities and community groups across the North as part of its 150th anniversary celebrations.
In the North West, Yorkshire’s Manchester team has been one of the more active lenders, and have backed two key private equity deals – the take-private of health software company Ascribe and last week’s ANSA buyout from AIM-listed company Mavinwood.
Ms Peacock told the audience of business leaders, community partners and long serving customers that despite the global downturn Yorkshire Bank remained “strong and secure”.
“It’s been a difficult time for the industry and it’s been a difficult time for us,” she told the audience.
“We don’t take pleasure in other banks’ failings.
“We’re doing everything that a traditional bank should be doing and none of the things that have perhaps caused the banking industry in the UK so many problems.”
The ‘Yorkshire Bank 150th Community Awards’ will see the cash used to make awards to projects in four categories: the environment, volunteering, education and regeneration.
The winning entry in each category will receive the ‘Colonel Akroyd Community Award’, named after the bank’s founder, plus £10,000.
Four runners-up in each category will receive a certificate plus £5,000.
In addition to the main category awards, there will be a further 20 awards of £1,000 to projects that are considered ‘highly commendable’.
There will also be an extra £10,000 award for the best overall entry.
Dean Cutbill, director of Yorkshire Bank, said: “As an organisation founded on community principles, Yorkshire Bank is proud to mark 150 years of continued support with these awards.
Shortlisted charities and groups will be invited to an awards ceremony in November where the winners will be announced.
Full details of the Yorkshire Bank 150th Community Awards, including an application form, can be found at www.ybonline.co.uk/awards or can be obtained by writing to YCBF 150th Community Awards, 3rd floor, 20 Merrion Way, Leeds, LS2 8NZ.
