Hat-Trick For Ulster Bank As It Wins Business Bank Of The Year Award For Third Year Running

4 May 2007

For the third year in a row, Ulster Bank has been crowned Business Bank of the Year at the KPMG Financial Services Excellence Awards. The award was presented to the bank last night and comes in the wake of significant investment of Euro100 million by Ulster Bank in its network and team, supported by the introduction of innovative and market challenging products.

The Financial Services Excellence Awards are designed to recognise excellence in the financial services industry, with judges giving consideration to market performance, innovation, customer service, being an employer of choice, and corporate social responsibility.

At a business level, Ulster Bank's Business Centres continue to offer a wide range of specialist advice and support to businesses regionally, including an expanding team of experts in Lending, Treasury Risk Management, Property Finance, Corporate Finance, Investment, e-Banking and Invoice Finance Services. A significant area for growth for the bank is the start-up, SME and franchise market, serviced by our team of Commercial Managers through the nationwide branch network. With a combination of international expertise and local knowledge Ulster Bank is fully committed to encouraging the spirit entrepreneurship and does so through sponsorships which include Entrepreneur of the Year and Ulster Bank Business Achiever Awards.

Robert Gallagher, Chief Executive, Ulster Bank Corporate Markets, said; "Ulster Bank is delighted to receive this once again following another successful year for the Corporate Markets division of the bank. We are committed to providing our business and corporate customers with innovative and practical solutions to their banking needs. Our aim is to become the number one business bank of choice in Ireland and we continue to invest heavily in achieving this. Our introduction of the best business start-up package is just one example of how we are delivering the best option for customers."

Gallagher added; "In 2006, we significantly expanded our business banking teams, hiring over 300 new professionals across the network. We also opened more branches and business centres, bringing our people closer to the business community. Along with our parent company RBS, this gives us an unbeatable combination of international financial strength and expertise and a responsive, local service."