Lloyds Bank has appointed Becci Wicks as its new Regional Director for London SME and Mid Corporate, a role focused on helping the city’s businesses to achieve their ambitions.
Becci takes over at a crucial time as London firms look to emerge from the disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
With more than 15 years of financial services experience, Becci joined Lloyds Bank in 2009, working her way up to lead its Mid-Corporate Manufacturing, Wholesale and Industrials team in London, a post she has held for the last two years.
In her new role, Becci will oversee a team of over 60 area and sector directors and relationship managers, which deliver tailored finance, sector insight, and support to SME and Mid Corporate businesses across London.
Becci’s appointment comes at a time when London business confidence is amongst the highest in the UK, behind only the North West and North East, according to Lloyds Bank’s Business Barometer for August. The monthly survey also revealed that over a quarter (28%) of the city’s firms expect to increase staff levels during the next year.
Commenting on her appointment, Becci Wicks, regional director for London at Lloyds Bank, said: “For many London businesses, the events of the last 18 months have thrown up their biggest challenges to date. But, throughout the disruption, we’ve seen countless examples of firms showing incredible resilience and innovating in order to survive.
“I’m excited to be leading our team of regional and sector specialists here in the capital who are committed to supporting our varied and growing array of clients and the local communities they serve. We’ll be by the side of London businesses and ensure they can access the financial expertise and funding they require to fuel their ambitions for years to come.”
One of the companies supported by Lloyds Bank’s London team in recent months is African food manufacturer, wholesaler and retailer, Eko Food Market, which changed its business model in lockdown. Before the pandemic, Eko Food Market, which sells African cooking ingredients to retailers and directly to consumers, purchased the majority of its products from Nigeria. But, when its supply chain was disrupted, the business looked to obtain stock closer to home and, with the support of a six-figure asset finance package, was able to ramp up production of its own.
