Chester Zoo signs up with the Co-op

CHESTER Zoo has switched its banking facility to the Co-operative, managed by the group’s south Manchester banking centre in Altrincham.

The zoo said it made the change from Barclays following a competetive tendering process and opted for the Co-op because of its ethical credentials.

Chester Zoo is gearing up for a major expansion after securing planning permission for its £30m Islands conservation project which it describes as “a conservation expedition bringing the islands of the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Bali, Sumatra, Sumba and Sulawesi to the heart of Cheshire”.

Finance director John Iles said: “We are very pleased to be working with the Co-operative Bank. They have been very supportive of the zoo for a number of years.

“We chose the Co-operative Bank after a competitive tendering process and were extremely impressed with their ethical, environmental and sustainability goals which had a strong strategic fit with the zoo’s conservation and ethical objectives.

“This is an exciting period of development for us and we consider our business relationship with the Co-operative Bank as central to our plans.”

Ian Heesom, business development manager at the Co-op, said: “We have worked closely with the zoo for some time to develop package which absolutely meets their needs.

“Islands is such a significant project for conservation, for the zoo and for the wider Cheshire area which will feel the economic benefits. It’s a privilege to be involved.”