THERE’S a new face but an experienced hand at the helm of successful bank Handelsbanken in Basingstoke.

With 33 years of banking experience, and firm roots in the Basingstoke area, Richard James is now leading the Handelsbanken team at Matrix House, on Basing View.

Richard has taken up the mantle from Craig Ward, who launched the Basingstoke branch in 2008. Craig is still with the Swedish-owned bank but is now branch manager in Southampton.

No stranger to the Basingstoke area, having previously worked here around 15 years ago for another bank, Richard said: “It’s a real privilege to be responsible for serving the Basingstoke community in this way.

“The whole team here is committed to introducing our unique local relationship banking approach to more and more businesses and individuals in the area.

“We are experienced bankers with the power to make the decisions that matter to our customers, swiftly and sensibly here in the local branch.”

Upbeat about the local economy, Richard said: “We are certainly seeing evidence that the economy seems buoyant and there is a real buzz in the area in terms of people’s outlook. And there are great plans for Basing View and the Top of The Town area.”

Richard praised Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, saying: “It appears we have got a very visionary local authority. You definitely get the feel that they are looking to grow the local economy.”