Lloyds strengthens support for education sector with new team

LLOYDS Bank has identified the Midlands’ academic sector as a potential growth area and responded by beefing up its presence in the area.

The bank’s Commercial Banking arm has launched a new specialist education team covering the region. It said the move was in line with its commitment to increase its support to the sector.

Headed up by Senior Manager Paul Summerton, relationship managers Phil Herriott, Stacie Goodhead and Donna O’Meara, the team will be supporting the independent, state and academies sectors across the Midlands, offering bespoke financial support and specialist expertise.

The service will range from day-to-day banking requirements through to academy conversion planning and forming multi-academy trusts.

Lloyds Bank’s continued growth in market share in the region, sees the education team currently supporting approximately 75% of schools and academies in the region.

The team will also provide further support for independent schools following its launch of the ‘Independent School Investment Loan’ which has been introduced to support schools’ investment plans, whether it be building a new premises, installing the latest technology or purchasing new equipment.

Ian Buss, head of education at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “We are proud of the relationships we have with education institutions and professional contacts across the Midlands.

“In order to maintain this high level of service, it is key that we continue to invest in our people, and the expansion of this specialist team will enable us to build on previous success and further ensure that schools and academies across the Midlands will have access to an unrivalled level of support and expertise.”