Working together for growth

Kevin Thorn, Head of Commercial Centre, HSBC Norwich

Kevin Thorn is rapidly getting to know Norwich in his new role as Head of Commercial Centre for HSBC in the city.

Now his aim is to make sure Norwich gets to know him and his team. His ambition is to help speed up business growth and to further encourage companies with a global outlook. “We are keen to help businesses who want to make a step change in their growth and to help businesses expand on the world stage using our international presence,” he said. “We have funds available to lend where the right opportunities exist.”

“This is a fantastic place to live and work and I am delighted to be working with a friendly, professional and experienced staff.”

He is sure he can help with more than just the banking side of the business; for instance he is able to recommend professional supply companies to customers. “I think it is vital to understand our customer’s vision and to help them achieve it,” he said. “We can obviously help with their banking needs but we are working closely with other professionals, marketing companies and outsource supply companies to benefit our customers with their wider business needs. These are challenging times and whether customers are looking at growing their business or just maintaining their market share we are often in a position to put them together with people who can help.”

Mr Thorn carried out a similar role at Sutton in Surrey and worked in London for 18 years and has always believed it is important to take a wider approach to the role.

One initiative he has already put in place is running a series of seminars offering help to companies, such as business coaching. He is also a great enthusiast for the ‘green’ approach to business life. HSBC is the first carbon neutral bank in the world and now he wants as many other businesses as possible to follow in their footsteps.

Being in Norwich he sees as being something of a bonus for that cause. “This is, without doubt, a fantastic place to live and work; there’s a great environment and culture. It’s a beautiful place and I am delighted to be working with a friendly, professional and experienced staff.”

“These are challenging times and we are often in a position to put customers together with people who can help.”

He reports to Regional Commercial Director Ian Urquhart in a role which covers Norwich and the local market towns, looking after businesses with a turnover of £500,000-£25million. With him are two Senior Commercial Managers, Chris Blakey and Stuart Mackie, and eight Commercial Managers. And as business expands, so the team will continue to grow.

There is always room for optimism and Mr Thorn has focused eyes even more towards the future with a recent conference held at Norwich City Football Club led by futurist David Smith looking at global trends over the next 10-20 years.