Nationwide has bolstered its support for businesses in Bristol, as well as across the South West and in South Wales with the appointment of Chris Fido as Senior Director of its new Bristol-based regional Business Banking team.
Chris joins with extensive experience across both corporate banking and corporate finance advisory roles. Well known within the regional professional and business community, he brings a strong track record of supporting ambitious businesses through key stages of growth, investment and strategic change.
His appointment is an important step in growing Nationwide’s regional Business Banking presence, building on the established Virgin Money proposition. Further appointments are planned as the Bristol-based regional team continues to grow.
The team will focus on supporting businesses in Bristol and across the wider region, working closely with Nationwide’s Business Banking network to provide tailored support throughout the South West and South Wales.
Chris Fido, Senior Director – Business Relationship, South West and South Wales, at Nationwide said: “This feels like the perfect time to be joining Nationwide. The South West and South Wales are home to some of the UK’s most ambitious and innovative businesses, and I know the market exceptionally well. Nationwide has a genuine commitment to supporting businesses and communities, and I believe we have a compelling proposition to help companies invest, grow and succeed. I’m excited to play a role in building our presence in Bristol and beyond.”
Gareth Jones, Head of Strategic Finance Midlands & South West at Nationwide, said: “Chris is an exceptional first appointment for our Bristol team and a clear statement of our ambition in the region. His combination of corporate banking expertise, corporate finance experience and deep local market knowledge makes him ideally placed to support growing businesses across the South West and South Wales.
“As we continue to invest in Bristol, we are building a team capable of making a real difference to the region’s business community. Chris is highly respected across the market and will play a key role in helping us establish a strong presence, support more businesses and deliver on our growth ambitions.”
Virgin Money is now part of Nationwide, the UK’s second-largest provider of mortgages and retail deposits. It is also a major provider of current accounts, credit cards, personal loans and business banking, including strategic finance, Nationwide and Virgin Money are bringing their banking experience and expertise together to support customers across the UK.