Hear what some of our people have to say about their roles in HSBC Commercial Banking.
Interviews:
Alan, Commercial Manager
Kate, Commercial Relationship Manager
Richard, Head of Commercial Centre
Ian, Commercial Manager
Interview with Alan, Commercial Manager
What were your preconceptions before joining?
When I joined 28 years ago I didn't have any preconceptions about the bank. It was seen as a job for life, secure job, and I really wanted to become a branch manager of a local branch. Today, it's vastly different. Dynamic industry and you've got to constantly keep up with the changes.
Most big companies offer good training, what’s so special about HSBC’s?
Over the years, the bank's offered me quite a few different training courses, especially on the commercial role, ranging from trade courses to Treasury courses, and how they could be used to help the customers support their businesses.
If you had to sum up the qualities that you need to be successful at HSBC, in just five words, what would they be?
The qualities I would recommend that you need are being committed to the role, so you've got to be aware that it's not a nine to five role. You will be required to work outside those hours to ensure that all the work is done on time, and also be aware that your customers don't work nine to five, they work longer hours.
I would say that you need to be out-going in your personality. You've got to mix with a wide range of customers from all different backgrounds, and if you're out-going you can actually talk to them at their level and do the job properly, and be dedicated. The more dedicated you are to the job, then the more success you will have, and if you're being successful it means your customers are being successful.
Do any of your clients stand out in particular?
One company that stands out in particular is a company called Bombay Authentics, who are a company that deals with a range of curry sauces. This was founded by two ladies, about five, six years ago when I was the branch manager of Buckingham branch, and they are now starting got export to America and break in to the supermarket chains. And it's really being good being with a company from the very start to see them grow to the business to trading internationally.
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Interview with Kate, Commercial Relationship Manager
How long have you been working with HSBC?
I've been working for HSBC for coming up to three years now. I started with the HSBC graduate scheme for the branch network, and have carried out various roles over the past three years, the two most exciting of which have been working in Jersey in the off-shore banking department, which was an absolutely fabulous experience for me. And the second was working for the Head of the Branch Network, based in Canary Wharf, which was also a wonderful opportunity for someone so young and relatively inexperienced.
What are the strengths of HSBCs Commercial network and values?
The commercial network has so much to offer. HSBC has all the structure, all the systems, all the people in the right place at the right time, and it has such a global presence now and a really strong brand that being a commercial manager of HSBC it stands you in really good stead. You've got the HSBC brand standing behind you and supporting you. So it really is quite a privilege to be a commercial manager associated with HSBC.
Most big companies offer good training, what’s so special about HSBC’s?
HSBC has a induction programme for all new people entering any managerial role, but specifically one for commercial managers, so enables you to take about a five week course, which is away from the office with a group of people that are experiencing similar things to yourself, so you're actually able to go out there, talk to these people, see if they're feeling the same things that you are, and be fully trained and ready to go on to the role as soon as you're out there, actually meeting your customers.
If you had to sum up the qualities that you need to be successful at HSBC, in just five words, what would they be?
The three qualities that you need to be successful at HSBC, for me, would be being approachable, being positive and being proactive. So what do I mean by that? Approachable, being there for your customers, customers feeling that they can actually pick up the phone to you and come to you for advice, not just your customers, but also the staff working alongside you and the other managers as well. Secondly, being positive, so not finding any challenge that faces you actually a hurdle or an obstacle, it's actually something that you can overcome, something that you can get round. And, finally, being proactive. So with HSBC there's so many opportunities that are available to you, it's about actually going out there and taking those as best you can.
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Interview with Richard, Head of Commercial Centre
How long have you been working with HSBC?
I've been working for HSBC for 22 years. I've worked predominantly in South West London and Surrey areas, although I have done a stint in the city as well.
What were your preconceptions before joining?
I think, like most people, my preconception of banking before I joined was that it was boring and it was a sterile environment. I'm pleased to say that I've been in the bank 22 years and it's not like that at all.
What are the strengths of HSBCs Commercial network and values?
HSBC's biggest strength is its global reach and its ability to understand global needs. An example of this is only last week one of my customers, who were actually based in Surrey, were looking to borrow some money for a project in California. We're able to get a relationship manager from America to pick up the phone and discuss his needs with him.
What would you say to anyone who’s considering a career at HSBC?
I'd recommend HSBC to anyone. It's a huge organisation with immense global reach in so many different countries. It offers a diversity of roles and so the career prospects are huge. In addition to that, you've got the brand to always fall back on. You've got products that you can have confidence in selling.
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Interview with Ian, Commercial Manager
What were your preconceptions before joining?
When I joined the HSBC I was quite unaware of what I was going to be doing. I thought I was going to be handling a lot of cash, starting as a cashier and working in one of the major branches. But, actually, in fact, when I did get there it was more about customer service, being out in the banking hall and actually using my customer service skills to talk to the customers of HSBC.
Most big companies offer good training, what’s so special about HSBC’s?
The training we receive at HSBC is excellent. You can really drive it yourself. You can decide which training packages are more suitable for you, and in conjunction with your line manager you can work out a training plan which is not just right for the current job, but also how you want to progress within the Bank.
If you had to sum up the qualities that you need to be successful at HSBC, in just five words, what would they be?
The three qualities you need to work for HSBC: you have to be passionate, you have to be motivated and you have to be driven. You have to be passionate because that comes across when you're meeting with your clients, and that really helps you build your business. You have to be motivated to actually get out there and explore every opportunity that's made available to you, and you have to be driven as well.
What lies ahead for HSBC’s Commercial team?
What lies ahead for HSBC's commercial team is a period of expansion and growth, and we're moving into new commercial centres, and really the proposition is going from strength to strength. And what that means for me is that it changes the face of HSBC in the commercial arena, especially with my current customer base, and they can see the improvements we're making, and also with the customers that we do hope to win over from other organisations.
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