Unity Trust Bank has created a specialist Relationship Manager role to oversee its expanding portfolio of customers in the local government sector.
With more than 2,200 town, parish and community councils choosing to bank with Unity, Sarah Johnson will provide additional expertise to help direct the activity of the account servicing team.
Sarah will apply her extensive knowledge and experience to help continuously improve Unity’s understanding of how to create a product and service proposition tailored to customers in this sector, ensuring that their unique requirements are met now and in the future.
The change represents the next phase in a series of investments that Unity has been making to become increasingly focused on its customer’s needs.
Commenting on her new position, Sarah, who has over a decade of experience in commercial banking, said: “We work with a range of organisations that address social, economic, or environmental needs in the UK and we know that one size doesn’t fit all when it comes to banking requirements.
“Local councils provide some of the essential services every person relies on across the UK to live well. They need a bank like Unity that understands their goals and their needs. There are complexities within local councils that need tailored solutions and understanding the best fit for these organisations will be a key part of my role.
“Forging even closer working relationships with local councils will help shape our proposition to councils to ensure we provide quality service so they can deliver for their communities.
“I’m really looking forward to getting to know our council customers better and helping them to grow and deliver impact.”
Unity was founded by the trade union movement in 1984 and its mission is to help create a better society for all through socially-responsible banking.
Celebrating its 40th birthday this week, the bank reported a record level of lending in 2023 – exceeding £1 billion for the first time and growing 21% from the previous year. More than 45% of its financing went into areas of high deprivation.
Alexandra Rice, Chief Commercial Officer at Unity Trust Bank, said: “We have a strong and experienced team of relationship managers across the country who have a wealth of knowledge and experience in a range of sectors and strive to deliver outstanding service to our expanding customer base.
“Investing in specialist roles like Sarah’s will further improve our overall customer experience and ensure that the needs of organisations requiring assistance with specific banking issues are fulfilled.
“With additional support from our dedicated UK-based Customer Connect team, this new role will ensure that the increasing number of local councils that choose to bank with Unity will receive the best support possible.”
