Ulster Bank Marks 4m Investment in North West

8th Nov 2007

Ulster Bank marked an investment of 4 million in the North West when it officially opened the doors of its new business centre and branch in L/Derry today (8th November) as part of a significant investment by the bank in its distribution network throughout the island of Ireland. The new premises will serve the business and personal banking needs of Ulster Bank's customers in Derry City and the wider North West area. Ulster Bank has a total of 278 branches and 52 business banking offices on the Island of Ireland. The opening was attended by Ulster Bank customers, local dignitaries, and staff.

Mike Bamber, Chief Executive Retail Markets, Ulster Bank Group said; "We are delighted to officially open the doors of our new North West business centre and Culmore Road branch. In line with our ambition to be the number one bank on the island of Ireland we are continually reviewing our presence in key geographical locations and these new premises further illustrate Ulster Bank's commitment to expanding our branch and business centre network."

The announcement follows on from the successful opening of Ulster Bank's new personal banking outlet at the Millennium Forum, based in the retail heart of the city centre just two weeks ago (24th October). An added feature of the service offering at the personal banking outlet will be extended opening hours on a Thursday evening and Saturday morning. The opening of the new premises at both Culmore Road and the Millennium Forum, coincide with significant renovation works completing at Ulster Bank's Waterside branch and about to commence at the Strand Road branch.

Mr Bamber said, "While other local banks are reducing their branch presence in the North West, Ulster Bank continues to invest. We are committed to ensuring our customers receive an excellent level of service and to ensure this occurs we have improved and expanded our presence in L'Derry at an investment cost in excess of 4m. We now have four branches serving the 100,000 population of the greater Derry City area; these include Culmore Road, Millennium Forum, Strand Road and Waterside branches."

"The Waterloo Place branch has been a base for Ulster Bank in the city centre since 1840. Our move to Culmore Road marks an exciting time and a new era in the bank's history. I wish the team every success, I know they are looking forward to welcoming local businesses and residents and introducing them to the wide range of innovative products and services we have on offer."

The new premises also highlight the bank's growing corporate and property offering in the North West.

Robert Gallagher, Chief Executive Corporate Markets at Ulster Bank Group said; "The economy of the North West is changing and although the road may not always be smooth, the opportunities for enterprising and creative local businesses are huge. This investment in our business banking infrastructure represents our ongoing commitment to supporting and inspiring North West firms to reach their full potential".

"As always our core service values will remain the same client focused and being distinctive in the provision of our product offering. We are committed to delivering bespoke financial solutions to our expanding customer base and are always keen to meet with prospective new clients."

Through these new premises at Culmore Road, the local Ulster Bank teams led by Senior Business Manager Martin Gormley and Branch Manager Cheryl Love will be on hand to provide a first class service to both business and personal customers.