KBC Bank Ireland continues to expand its presence with the opening of a new
office in Cork city. Investment in the new office ‘reflects the increase
in new customers joining the bank and the demand for competitive banking
among Irish consumers’, according to John Reynolds, CEO, KBC Bank Ireland.
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KBC is celebrating 40 years in Ireland this year and has embarked on an
ambitious expansion programme in Ireland which has seen the bank invest in
new high street offices, launch a range of new financial products and
expand its online banking presence. The Cork office is the first new
office to be opened outside Dublin and will employ 28 people initially,
with employee numbers expected to grow significantly over the next few
years.****
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John Reynolds said; “Cork and indeed Munster has always been a very
important market for KBC and we are proud of our long association with the
city. We have ambitious plans to grow our business in the region and the
opening of our new office is an exciting and important step in our drive to
offer real choice to customers. Our focus is on being a leading bank,
providing attractive savings, mortgage and other financial services to
consumers. We are committed to providing sustainable competition in the
Irish market”.****
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Mr. Reynolds said that the bank is continuing to expand the financial
services it provides to customers. “We are delighted with the response to
our savings products which have been very successful. In 2012, KBC
welcomed over 22,000 new savers to the Bank and the launch of our most
recent product – our Regular Saver account has broadened our appeal
further. We will continue to introduce innovative products and services in
2013 as we become a competitive and alternative banking force in Ireland”.**
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KBC’s new office is located on Lapp’s Quay in a former mill known as
Furlongs Mill, a flour mill constructed in the mid 1850’s. The building was
refitted in 1874 when the original steam plant was replaced by the roller
process. The red sandstone and grey limestone utilised in the construction
of the building are characteristic of Cork industrial architecture and add
colour and textural interest to the building. The bank has converted
internally into bright modern space where customers can conduct their
business in a welcoming environment, whilst retaining some of the character
and features of the old building. ****
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John Reynolds concluded by saying that the retail investment copper-fastens
KBC’s commitment to growing in Ireland. “Opening our office in Cork
reflects our belief in Ireland as a place to do business and our confidence
in being a real competitive alternative in the market for Irish consumers.
We have a sizable business here, and provide valuable employment to over
700 people in Ireland” he added.
