BANKERS NatWest has announced an expansion to its experienced business team based in its Worcestershire branches.

As part of the move, Andrew Woodthorpe has been appointed as director of business banking and will be based at NatWest Worcester Cross branch. His main responsibility will be to support his team of seven business managers, who have almost 170 years of business banking experience between them.

Before taking on this role, Mr Woodthorpe was the area business manager for Nat-West in Coventry and War-wickshire.

He said: "NatWest sees Worcestershire as a very important banking centre and we want the most experienced and largest team locally to meet the needs of all businesses customers.

"We have always prided ourselves on offering quality customer service and we know that the expanded team, which includes business managers working in local branches, in Worcester, Evesham, Kidderminster, Bromsgrove and Droitwich will continue to deliver this services for businesses, whether they need start-up advice or want to float on the Stock Exchange."

Joining Mr Woodthorpe as part of the newly expanded Worcestershire business advice team are Matthew Milisic, Matthew Wykes, Phil Whiteley, Stuart Forrest, Ian Shearman, Julie McDonald and Julie Powell, who will offer expert advice and guidance to businesses as part of a full relationship service.

The team has received specific training so that they can understand and meet the specific financial needs of the small business sector.