Shawbrook Bank moves into new Manchester offices

Shawbrook Bank has expanded its operations in Manchester as part of a UK-wide focus to become the specialist lender of choice for small- and medium-sized businesses.

The bank, which employs around 800 staff across the UK, has opened a purpose-designed office at One New Bailey, near Spinningfields, in Salford, having relocated from its former Deansgate premises.

The new premises will house more than 50 staff at capacity, touching several functions including corporate lending, customer support and risk and change specialisms.

Neil Rudge, Shawbrook’s managing director for business finance, said the new office will see Manchester become a “truly multi-functional site” for the bank.

He said: “This is another positive development for Shawbrook as we continue to invest in our capabilities and capacity to support more businesses across the UK with the specialist finance they require.

“Our new location not only gives us access to the wealth of talent in the North West, but also puts us right in the heart of Europe’s second-largest private equity community and the wider corporate advisory population – both of which are key to accessing those businesses that rely on the finance we provide.”

He added: “As a supporter of small- and medium-sized businesses in multiple sectors and geographies across the country, including a rapidly-growing portfolio of development finance clients, it is also a pleasure and a real privilege to support the redevelopment of Salford through the opening of our new Greater Manchester premises.”

In a fitting touch, meeting rooms in Shawbrook’s new premises have been named after a selection of famous and historic faces associated with Manchester, including mathematician and codebreaker Alan Turing, Emmeline Pankhurst, the suffragette who was born and raised in the city, and Sir Charles Hallé, the founder of Manchester’s Halle orchestra and the Royal Manchester College of Music.

The new premises have been equipped with a variety of working areas as well as standard work stations, formal and informal meeting rooms.

In line with Shawbrook’s sustainability and climate change responsibilities, the building is Grade A BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rated and comes with an intelligent lighting control system as well as cycle storage for 60 bicycles. The site is also fully equipped with recycling facilities.

Emily Johnson, head of customer support at Shawbrook Bank, who is also based within the Manchester office, said: “We’ve had a presence in the city for some time, but with this move it now feels like Manchester is an integral part of the Shawbrook story.

“With the number of payments being processed by our specialist customer support team in Manchester totalling well over 1,000 per-month already – equating to more than +£100m of lending to businesses across the country – we now have the capacity to do much, much more.”

Phil Mayall, regional director at The English Cities Fund – a joint venture set up by partners Homes England, Legal & General and Muse Developments – said: “It’s fantastic that New Bailey is continuing its momentum in attracting high-calibre businesses to the scheme, and we’re delighted to see Shawbrook Bank open their doors at One New Bailey.

“One New Bailey has been the anchor development for the wider scheme, and with the variety of high-quality, professional businesses now based here, as well as the vibrant leisure scene on the ground floor, this building epitomises what New Bailey is all about.”