HSBC Bank is stepping up its support for businesses Lancashire with the launch of three new commercial centres in Blackburn, Preston and Blackpool.

The bank claims the centres' dedicated managers will spend three out of every five days on the road, meeting customers at their own premises, to help them make more informed assessments of customer needs and the local business environment.

The three local centres are headed up by Bruce Tyler, area commercial manager. Each of his 27 commercial relationship managers is empowered to make individual lending decisions of at least £50,000 and each centre has a senior manager with authority to make £1million loans.

Tyler said: "We are the only major bank to commit to retaining senior management with local knowledge in branches and centres across the UK. By creating these centres of excellence and by relieving managers of other responsibilities, we are giving our business customers even more time, more experience and a more dedicated service.