Salutions Publications | Business & Finance
Putting People First WITH HANDELSBANKEN’S LOCAL RELATIONSHIP BANKING Not everything that’s been lost to the past or swept away by the digital revolution was inefficient or unwanted. The pace of life has never been as rapid as it is now, and in our headlong rush towards a future that is evermore dictated by digital communication, we’re slowly awakening to the fact that it’s people, and not faceless technological avatars, that reassure and comfort us most. Handelsbanken have always recognised this and now, more than ever, they represent the secure, reassuring and understanding bank that once was commonplace in our communities. Founded in Sweden in 1871, Handelsbanken has grown conservatively and organically to its current position as one of the world’s strongest banks (Bloomberg 2015). With over 850 branches in 25 countries, 207 of which are in the UK and, according to one leading customer satisfaction survey, ‘the most satisfied private and corporate customers among UK banks’ for the seventh year running (EPSI 2015), you may be wondering why, as they’ve been operating in the UK since 1982, you’ve probably never heard of them. And, yet, they offer a full banking service for individuals and businesses, including mobile app and internet banking technology, just like every other high street bank, except they don’t have call centres and ... well, that’s where most of the similarities end. The bank’s ethos is that the branch is the bank. Founded on traditional Swedish values that appreciate financial prudence, Handelsbanken promote customer relationships and pursue customer satisfaction as the best way to attract more customers, so securing growth and long-term security. The branches know their customers, and know better than anyone what each individual customer or business needs, wants and expects. That’s why each and every local branch of Handelsbanken really does only operate locally. Ian Noke is the manager of the Altrincham branch, which has just
celebrated their fifth year since opening in 2011, so who better to describe how his branch operates: ‘At Handelsbanken, each branch has the power to make decisions at a local level. This enables my team and I to deliver quick solutions and offer a bespoke banking service that is always tailored to the needs of our local customers. ‘None of our staff receive bonuses or have any sales targets, and this allows us to focus on first class customer service. We don’t sell products; we offer services, and we aim to have more satisfied customers than other banks. More satisfied customers do more business with us and also help to generate a larger number of good, new customers.’ Handelsbanken’s credit rating is also a great source of security and reassurance for their customers, due in no small part to the bank’s corporate culture that encourages employees to treat the bank’s money, and therefore, by extension, their customer’s deposits, as though they would their own money. Ian Noke and his team know their area and the people who live and work within it. Not just the geography and the landscape, but the businesses and amenities, and everything else that makes up a community of people. Located on Hale Road in Altrincham, you can pop in for a chat over a coffee, face to face, of course, and get quick, professional service tailored to best meet your needs and circumstances.
Go to handelsbanken.co.uk/Altrincham or call 0161 926 9222 to find out more about banking with Handelsbanken. Words by Mark Kureishy
June/July 2016 | salutions.co.uk
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