Kenny Nelson has joined Yorkshire Bank as senior director, in advance of the RBS Business Bank Switch Scheme which launches in February 2019.

The RBS scheme aims to increase competition in the SME market by offering eligible RBS customers incentivised deals and rewards to switch their bank account to another provider; the appointment demonstrates Yorkshire Bank’s commitment to the scheme, building on its existing sector experience and helping deliver increased competition in SME banking.

Nelson (pictured) joins Yorkshire Bank from RBS with over three decades of client facing relationship roles – including 18 years’ experience advising SMEs in the UK’s health and social care sector.

After joining the Bank in October, his remit includes growing the healthcare footprint nationally.

Commenting on his appointment, Nelson said: “I believe in making banking simple and putting customers at the heart of everything I do, which is an ethos shared by Yorkshire Bank.

“There is a mismatch between demand and funding in the care sector, meaning some services are struggling to maintain standards. This requires expert advice to address the challenges facing the industry and delivering the right solutions.

“In the healthcare market, Yorkshire Bank is rightly recognised as an industry leader, and as the RBS Business Bank Switch Scheme approaches, I’m confident that the extensive experience of the team will help us grow our healthcare offering around the country.”

Ian Hardman, head of business development, commercial banking, at Yorkshire Bank, added: “As RBS Business Bank Switch initiative approaches, we’re committed to having a quality team in place to provide the best possible support for businesses wanting to switch to our Bank. The focus is on making the transition as smooth as possible for SMEs choosing Yorkshire Bank and helping them realise their long-term ambitions – and we will continue to add to our existing team with quality people to achieve this goal.

“Kenny’s appointment is another significant step towards this and represents a high-calibre addition to our expanding SME service line. He is a trusted advisor who brings a wealth of experience in the health and social care sector.”

Yorkshire Bank continues to work with UK’s SME sector and is proud of its full-service banking proposition, deep sectoral experience, and ongoing investment in its customers. As part of the Bank’s three-year Lending Commitment, it has also made a minimum of £6 billion of funding available to help fuel the growth of UK SMEs in the three years to 2019.”