Bank of Ireland marks 200 years with special event at Ulster University

 

 

Bank of Ireland welcomed customers and community representatives to a special event at The Great Hall, Ulster University, to mark 200 years of providing banking services locally.

The Bank opened its first branch in Londonderry in 1825, recognising the need to make financial services available to the merchants, traders, entrepreneurs and shipping enterprises driving local economic growth at the time.

Welcoming guests to the event, George Higginson, Managing Director of Everyday Banking, Bank of Ireland UK said:

“Derry has long been an area of importance for us at Bank of Ireland. From our earliest days supporting local merchants, we have evolved to support businesses of all sizes and sectors, supporting enterprise, innovation and personal financial ambitions now just as we did 200 years ago.

We’re ambitious for our future and look forward to growing with our customers in the years ahead, which is why earlier this year we announced that we were investing £100 million in our business over three years, including improving our everyday banking products and services for our customers.  This will ensure we are ready to meet customer needs now and for generations to come.”

Since 2021 and the opening of the new Medical School at Ulster University, Bank of Ireland has partnered with the University to provide bespoke financial support for medical students. Reflecting on the Bank’s relationship with Ulster University, Professor Malachy O’Neill, Director of Regional Engagement said:

“The opening of the School of Medicine at Ulster University was a huge milestone for us and the city. We have encountered tremendous support from partners across the city and region and it was a pleasure to collaborate with the Bank of Ireland UK team to remove financial barriers for students. We are grateful to Bank of Ireland UK for their commitment to our vision for the School of Medicine and to our students, Northern Ireland’s future doctors, the first cohort of whom graduated in Summer.”

With a focus on regional investment, growth and the future, guests at the event heard from a panel of local speakers including Chris Gray, Chief Executive, Gray’s Communications, Anna Doherty, CEO, Londonderry Chamber of Commerce and Stephen Kelly, CEO, Manufacturing NI.

Concluding the celebrations, Eíghréan Horner, Senior Bank Manager added:

“Celebrating Bank of Ireland’s 200th anniversary is a very special and proud moment for us.  We’ve seen how, when we work together and support one another, we can drive growth and strengthen economic development in our communities, and we look forward to serving customers and supporting the community for many more years to come.”