RBS move to increase market share

Nov 7 2007 by Iain Laing, The Journal

THE Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) has announced the appointment of Max Birkinshaw to the role of commercial banking manager in a move designed to increase the bank’s market share in the region.

Mr Birkinshaw joins from HSBC where he worked for eight years with customers in Newcastle, Tynedale, Sunderland and Durham, managing a diverse portfolio of customers.

Based in the bank’s Newcastle office on the Quayside, Mr Birkinshaw will be responsible for working with local businesses across the region which typically turn over between £1m and £25m, to deliver financial solutions to assist them achieve their business aspirations.

Mr Birkinshaw will also work closely with his colleagues in other parts of the RBS Group, including asset finance provider Lombard, RBS Invoice Finance and RBS International Banking Services to provide a wide breadth of financial solutions to his customers. A North-Easterner currently living in Kingston Park with his wife, Mr Birkinshaw is an avid Newcastle United fan and enjoys participating in golf at Westerhope Gold Club.

He said: “RBS is a brand I’ve long admired and it’s great to join the expanding commercial banking team at such an exciting time of growth in the area. I have been extremely impressed by its service proposition and look forward to being part of its future growth plans.”

Kevin Tokell, director of commercial banking at the RBS in Newcastle, said: “I am pleased to welcome Max to the team.

“He brings with him a wealth of experience in commercial banking, further strengthening our already well-established team.

“I am confident our customers will benefit from Max’s local knowledge, skills and experience. I wish him well in his new role and look forward to working with him.”