Two of HSBC’s branches in the Bailiwick of Guernsey are celebrating major milestone anniversaries this year.
The Bank’s branch in St Peter Port is marking its 125th anniversary, whilst the Sark branch is also celebrating 100 years since it first opened its doors for business.
To celebrate the anniversaries, the Bank will be holding a number of celebratory events and installing exhibitions in both branches, showcasing HSBC’s history in the Channel Islands, with customers and members of the public welcome to visit the exhibitions from June.
The exhibitions will trace HSBC’s history in Guernsey and Sark featuring key dates including:
- On 2 April 1900, Midland Bank (now HSBC) opened its branch doors at 13 High Street, St Peter Port, Guernsey, following almost two-years of planning.
- The Bank’s Managing Director, Edward Holden, had visited the island in July 1898 and secured the High Street premises in October that year. He had successfully acquired the Jersey-based Channel Islands Bank in 1897 and was keen to extend its ‘offshore’ business.
- By the 1920s, the branch’s business had grown to the extent that Branch Manager, Henry Le Pelley, who was then managing seven members of staff,
recommended the opening of additional branches. - In April 1925 the Sark branch opened
Commenting on the anniversaries, Warwick Long, CEO, HSBC Channel Islands and Isle of Man, said: “I’m extremely proud of our heritage and longevity in the Channel Islands. To have been supporting our customers for more than 100-years illustrates that HSBC is a valued and trusted partner. I’m looking forward to welcoming people into our branches in both St Peter Port and Sark to enjoy our exhibitions and revisit our history in both islands.”
Alvaro Teixeira, Head of International Wealth and Premier Banking at HSBC Channel Islands and Isle of Man, added: “Banking has clearly evolved considerably over the last 125-years, but what hasn’t changed over that time is our absolute commitment to offer best-in-class products and service to our customers.
“While there is a growing increase for online and mobile banking, we know customers appreciate the opportunity for face-to-face service and I’m equally excited about our future, including the re-opening of our fully refurbished state-of-the art branches later this year in St Martin, Guernsey and St Brelade, Jersey.
“For any business to endure for a century or more, illustrates foundational strengths and I’m very proud to celebrate these milestone moments in our history.”
Main picture: Guernsey Country Head of International Wealth and Premier Banking, Candida Collar, and Guernsey branch colleagues with the current branch exhibition in St Peter Port.
