Logged In with….Shaun Ellenthorpe

Logged In with: Shaun Ellenthorpe

Organisation: Lloyds Banking Group                                      

Job title: Area director, Large Corporate – North and West Yorkshire

Career highlights: 
I’d say my number one career highlight came as recently as this year when I was an integral part of the team that was responsible for merging together the corporate teams of Lloyds TSB and HBOS.

Who has had the biggest influence on your career to date?
Probably my parents! Their influence and guidance has helped mould me into the person I am today and given me a sound grounding and set of principles that I have been able to transfer into my working life.

From a business perspective, there are too many people to mention individually as I have worked for and with some great people, all of whom I have picked up and learnt something from.
 
What are your key responsibilities?
Well absolutely key is making sure we support our customers, as without them we might as well turn off the lights! The team have a range of experience and it’s also important we develop managers and relationship directors for the future and I will play a key role in their development.

What do you enjoy most and least about your role?
I really enjoy working with so many bright people. I’ve always found a variety of characters within every team I’ve worked in. As for disliking anything, it’s far too early to say – ask me the same question in a year’s time!
 
As a business leader, what’s the key to managing people?
Actively listening to everyone.

What are the biggest barriers to your organisation’s success?
Everyone has an opinion on banks and at the moment, it’s not all positive. You walk down the high street or speak to businesses across the region and everyone will have a differing view. I’m keen to attempt to turn that public opinion around.

At Lloyds Banking Group, we’re keen to support help well-managed business across the region regardless of sector. 

It’s about getting the right mix of relationship banking and transactional banking. Getting that mix right will provide customers and prospects with evidence on how we work and like to conduct our business, which in turn should leave them feeling positive – hopefully!

How well do you feel this region is placed to weather the recession?
Every region has suffered through this recession and Yorkshire is no different in that sense. However, the variety of sectors dominant in the region and Yorkshire’s “can do” mentality has certainly helped it weather these difficulties and will mean it will be well placed to take advantage of the opportunities the recovery will bring.
 
What more could be done to help?
I think we have a strong culture of “entrepreneurship” and as such we have to encourage this further and build on new areas such as the environment and clean industries.

Yorkshire Forward, the CBI and IoD are all well placed and do their bit to encourage investment in this region.

How has technology changed your life in the last five years?
My V+ box means I can record the football and still do the housework, thus avoiding the wrath of my wife!

How has it changed/impacted on your business in the same period?
I think the saying is “constant is the only change” and we continue to receive new ways of doing old things. My daughter’s new iPod plays music, takes photos and videos and even counts the number of steps you take! Being aware of what is being developed helps us all be cogniscent of the changes, which are ever present in our business and personal lives. No longer do you have to wait for an appointment to contact your bank manager.

If you weren’t doing what you’re doing now, what alternative career would you chose and why?
I would love to have been a Michael Palin style travel journalist. I am not sure I would have been any good, but the air miles would certainly have come in handy.

Which sectors do you think will thrive/ struggle in the coming years?
I appear to have misplaced my crystal ball! In all seriousness, tourism is one of the region’s key sectors and has been of substantial benefit to the local economy.

And with the weakening of the pound against foreign currencies and people preferring to take a ‘staycation’, there are strong opportunities for the region to grow.

There are also good businesses in what are generally considered poor sectors and vice versa. Strong management teams who have a workforce that understands and is part of the end game will in general make much more headway. A broad range of quality advisers will re-enforce the team and help bring adequate levels of challenge to the process.

What do you feel are the key skills/qualities needed to run a successful business in the 21st century?
With so much involved in running a business, it’s important to be able to walk and talk at the same time. That’s why adaptability and flexibility are hugely important in modern business.

However, having a clear and strong strategy, which is well communicated throughout the business, has and always will be crucial to business success. I’ve always advised businesses to ensure that all the knowledge and expertise within the management team is harnessed and distilled throughout the rest of the business.

Finally, as the 21st century will be dominated by individuals who are not even born yet, it’s important that as the best and brightest people come up through the ranks, they are well-supported on their rise up the corporate ladder.

Which public figure do you admire most and why?
There isn’t one in particular, but Shami Chakrabarti from Liberty is high on the list. Interestingly though, I tend to disagree with a lot of what she says, but admire her integrity and drive.

In five words, describe your character.
Friendly, open and very approachable

Which actor/actress would you chose to play you in a film?
Robert De Niro or Daniel Day Lewis. Not for any resemblance, but to see how a character actor would play a dynamic, youthful banker!