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Allica Bank, the digital bank built especially for established SMEs, has announced the launch of a new partnerships team, specifically focused on growing its relationships with accountancy firms across the UK.
Recently named by Deloitte as the UK’s fastest-growing business of 2023 in its Technology Fast 50 Awards, the business bank sees accountants as “a vital connection” to its core segment of established SMEs.
Allica has defined established SMEs as those businesses with five to 250 employees, a group that currently contribute a third of UK turnover and employment.
Initially a team of eight partnerships managers with coverage across the UK, this new team will be led by Sophie Hossack, previously the first employee at Dext (formerly Receipt Bank) and Rich Williams, who previously led Australian asset finance intermediary, Stratton Finance.
The role of the new team will be to collaborate closely with accountancy firms to help them and their clients get more from their banking with personalised and dedicated support. The team will run regional events, share knowledge, and help accountants add value to their client relationships.
The introduction of the team follows news that Allica Bank successfully launched integrations with accounting platforms Sage and Xero. As a sign of its further commitment to the sector, it has also partnered with key industry associations, including ICAEW, CIMA, and AAT.
Hossack said: “Allica Bank is so proud to launch its new team dedicated especially to supporting accountants in the UK and their SME clients. Accountants are the most trusted advisor to business owners, when times are good and when they’re tough.
“We’ve heard first-hand how frustrating many accountants find their experience with the big banks who typically no longer provide a point of contact that knows them or their clients.”
He added: “At Allica, we recognise how powerful the combination of business owner, accountant and bank manager can be. And I can’t wait to expand our partnerships team and offering as we continue to grow.”
Andrew Pittams, commercial director at the ICAEW, added: “At ICAEW we support our members with the latest trends and updates facing the industry, and this includes the role digital banking plays in their business.
“We know from our members the significance of receiving dedicated support from banks in today’s landscape so we are pleased to work with Allica Bank.”
