The Lloyds Banking Group has appointed a new ambassador for the South East - replacing Tara Foley .

Michelle Blayney will take over the role, designed to help support the social and economic prospects of local businesses and people in the region.

She will lead a team of senior colleagues to address issues affecting businesses and the local community such as housing shortages and homelessness.

Her work will also focus on diversity and inclusion within business.

She has spent more than 25 years with the group, starting in private banking before rising to become a local director at the bank. She was head of sales and retention for the bank’s general insurance business and then moved to Halifax as regional director for the South East.

Currently the group's chief culture talent and reward officer, she said: "This year has been a hugely challenging one for communities and business alike.

"As we navigate the months ahead, it’s important we draw on the region’s strengths, making use of the plethora of knowledge-based industries and strong tech-clusters on our doorstep, which have a vital part to play in the economic prosperity of the South East. From life sciences, professional and financial services to technology, many sectors have a great opportunity to play their part in getting the region back on its feet."

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