LLOYDS TSB Commercial, the division of Lloyds Banking Group which supports small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), has appointed Steve Elsom as area director for East Anglia.

LLOYDS TSB Commercial, the division of Lloyds Banking Group which supports small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), has appointed Steve Elsom as area director for East Anglia.

He will head up a team of 85, which includes relationship managers, service and support teams, which provide dedicated banking services for companies with an annual turnover of up to �15million. So far in 2009, Lloyds TSB Commercial has increased lending to businesses by 13% year-on-year.

Mr Elsom has 30 years of experience in the banking sector and has been proactive in creating effective partnerships with the key members of the local business community to help support customers.

His role is focused on ensuring firms can access the funding and guidance needed to prepare for an upturn in economic conditions and capitalise on the new growth opportunities this creates.

He and his team are also active in the local community, supporting a number of events and initiatives, including sponsoring the Institute of Directors East of England Businesswomen of the Year awards, contributing to local Business Link events and developing an Enterprising Women Loan Fund.

In his spare time, Mr Elsom, who is Cambridge-based, takes a keen interest in most sports and is a passionate Spurs fan. He is also a school governor and chair of the NSPCC Newmarket race day committee.

Mr Elsom said: “Now, more than ever, it's vital that firms in the region maintain a close relationship with their banking partner and professional support network to put themselves in a strong position.

“My role is to work with our excellent team in the region to continue building valuable, long-term relationships with local businesses and the wider community.

“We have the expertise, experience and tools to provide the guidance and tailored financial packages to enable businesses to grow and flourish throughout the economic cycle.

“At Lloyds TSB Commercial, we put great emphasis on a long-term, relationship-led approach to banking and we're committed to providing businesses in East Anglia with a service that goes beyond day-to-day banking facilities.”