November 2009 - Business Manager of the NatWest Bank

The Andover Women in Business Club met for a networking evening at the Keystone Hall, East Street on Tuesday 3rd November.

The members and guests were treated to an array of interesting tables showcasing the different businesses represented by the membership: Amongst those displaying were Artists, Fair Trade, Accountants, Nail Technicians, Caterers, Insurance brokers, Solicitors, Energy Consultants, Dieticians and Craft Work.

After a lovely dinner provided by the Hall, we were entertained by Richard Stapley, Business Manager of the NatWest Bank in Andover who regaled us with interesting stories detailing the changes that have taken place in the banking world since he joined the Bank in 1971.

Richard reminded us that in the 1970’s there were no mobile phones or PC’s. BT was the only provider of phone services and the waiting list was 6 months long. Because of constant strikes we worked a 3 day week and endured many shortages.

There were at that time only 4 major banks that were mainly financial intermediaries and didn’t offer the services that we now enjoy. Computers were only just coming into commercial use, thus most administration was done manually. Banks did not provide mortgages until the 1980’s and then there were so many applications that there was a 6 week wait to look at them.

However, Richard welcomed the many changes and informed us that Branch Managers are now much younger and often Women. Lending decisions are now made by computer although requests for larger facilities are referred to a manager. He believes that the NatWest bank has changed and grown with the times and customers truly have a One-Stop-Shop.

After the talk members enjoyed more networking and were able to purchase items from the many table displays.

The next meeting will be held on Tuesday 1st December at the Red Lion Hotel in Clanville. For further information please contact Caroline Gilham on 01264 710475

Brenda Locke

a selection of Networking tables

Next Meetings

Date  
07/09/2010 AWIBC AGM
05/10/2010 Finding Florence - The story of Florence Nightingale, how it was researched, written and staged
02/11/2010 Network Meeting
07/12/2010 AWIBC Christmas Party