The UK operation holds a unique position within BCC's global network. Based in London, one of the main financial centres of . the world, it has the largest balance sheet of any BCC region. The 44 UK branches are staffed by nearly 1,700 family members, who between them handle just under 121,000 accounts. BCC opened its first UK branch in Mark Lane, in the City of London in 1973. Like the other branches established during BCC's first round of expansion into the UK, it concentrated on Middle Eastern clients and the local ethnic businesses. The second stage was to create a network of branches covering all the important West End locations, thus enhancing the image of BCC. These West End branches quickly became profitable, with a largely Middle Eastern clientele composed of high net worth individuals and an additional focus on specialised business. The Hyde Park branch, for instance, specialised in dealing with Saudi clients, while Marble Arch carved out a niche in East African business. The third phase of development began some five years ago, with the founding of branches to attract the corporate business of multinational companies and British importers and exporters.
Read the full issue here: BCC International - No. 43