HSBC Bank has unveiled a new corporate banking centre to help Kent businesses make the most of the opportunities presented by the Thames Gateway.

The new Thames Gateway operation is based in Romford, Essex, and caters for businesses with a turnover of more than £25 million a year.

The team of six dedicated corporate managers will operate in North Kent and Essex and work alongside the North Kent Commercial Centre covering Gravesham, Medway and Swale.

Heading up the team as head of corporate banking - Thames Gateway, is Chris Doyle who has worked for HSBC since 1974, gaining significant corporate and institutional banking experience in both London and Hong Kong.

He leads a team with a combined banking experience of more than 100 years.

Ian Legg, HSBC’s area director for Kent, said: “The awarding of the 2012 Olympics to London, the near completion of the Channel Tunnel Rail Link and the drive to create up to 200,000 new homes and 250,000 new jobs before 2016, means that Thames Gateway is probably the most exciting place to do business in the UK at the moment.”

Mr Legg continued: “HSBC is absolutely committed to forging strong local relationships with the corporate sector in the Thames Gateway and with the accountants, solicitors and other professionals who serve it.”