by business editor Trevor Sturgess

A private bank has added to its Kent credentials by creating a senior post for the region.

Duncan Lawrie, based in Wrotham (pictured left), has appointed Dina Henry as its first regional director for Kent and the South East.

It is part of a strategy by the 40-year old bank, which prides itself on prudence and long-term perspective, to attract more personal and business customers from the county at a time when high street banks face a barrage of bad publicity.

Dina, who lives in Otford and joined the bank in 1982, will be based in the elegant 15th century Wrotham Place set in 23 acres and one of the most attractive bank branches in the county.

Managing director Matthew Parden said: “Dina has built a formidable client base in Kent and the South East which is already a key area for Duncan Lawrie Private Bank and where we see even greater potential for growth.

Dina will be responsible for our whole business portfolio in the region, ranging from private banking to investments and financial planning, and her contacts with the local community will be invaluable.”

Ms Henry added: “Our top priority is forming close, long-term relationships with our clients, so we can provide a truly tailor-made, end-to-end wealth management service that suits today’s high net worth individuals and their families.

"I know Kent and the South East very well, and am looking forward to taking our business in the region to a new level.”

She joined the bank in 1982, starting her career in banking operations and foreign currency dealing.

She has forged strong relationships with many organisations, including Kent Law Society, which the bank sponsors, and the Kent branch of the Institute of Directors.

Duncan Lawrie’s clients include individuals, companies, charities and trusts. The bank is a wholly owned subsidiary of Camellia Plc whose origins can be traced back to East India where in the 19th century, Walter Duncan and Alexander Lawrie were involved in tea estates.

Camellia is based in Linton, near Maidstone.