It was an absolute pleasure to visit GB Bank in 2 Centre Square recently and meet the people behind this specialist, socially driven bank.

GB Bank will provide easy access to property development loans with incentives for sustainable and zero carbon developments and rewards for developers committed to creating local employment opportunities.

I met with CEO Steve Lancaster, CFO Mike Says and Liz Ferry, Investor and Community Relations and it was so positive and exciting to hear about their plans. They currently employ around 45 people and as the Bank progresses, the offices will be the base for the 120 head office staff covering finance, risk, customer management, marketing, IT lending, savings and more. They are looking to fully launch the Bank later in the year.

The offices in Centre Square have come to fruition thanks to the work of the former Labour administration under Dave Budd. They provide high quality, bespoke facilities allowing for hybrid working for employees at the heart of Middlesbrough town centre.