Your bank lender isn’t just someone who helps you borrow some money, they’re someone you can go to for guidance and someone you can trust. That’s why it’s important for us to be just that, a trusted adviser.
Relationship Manager Neil Boyd, from our Business Banking team in Lismore knows just how important it is to build trust and go the extra mile for his clients around the Northern Rivers region.
Growing up in sugar cane producing town Murwillumbah, New South Wales, Neil went straight from school to working at a Big Four bank, then over to a small, private finance firm where he moved around regional New South Wales.
Neil joined BCU in 2011 after settling in Lismore and he has certainly seen his fair share of customers, with varying business priorities, financial goals and outlooks over his career.
Some 42 years after starting in finance, and with 30 years commercial lending under his belt, Neil uses his passion for poring over complex figures and understanding the story they’re telling to best assist his customers with their financial needs.
What advantages does BCU Business Banking offer over larger banks?
Drawing from his experience working with larger banks, Neil believes being smaller makes us more nimble when it comes to getting things done.
“Over time, the big banks have moved to a very impersonal model, where if the amount you are borrowing is under $1,000,000 you are generally stuck on a phone or on a video call,” Neil said.
“We spend time getting to know our customers a lot better. I still go out and see most of my customers at their place of work rather than doing it from in the office for example.
“It's a big part of what we do and it's a big part of what the customers pick up on.
“We’re a little bit more self-reliant when we're chasing information and doing our own research – that's the fun part of the job too!
“Being able to talk to a real person helps us get to know your business while giving you a better idea of who we are.”
How can we help businesses who are experiencing pressures out of their control?
Businesses are facing interest rate rises and cost of living pressures, while real estate prices have increased significantly. Consequently, they are feeling the ripple effect of these pressures through their customers too.
“If someone's in a bit of trouble, we’ll go out and have a sit down with them to see what's happening with their business and go through their options,” he said.
“We can draw from our own knowledge within our team, with minimum banking experience over 25 years, and the extensive knowledge of our combined industry contacts.
“What works for us is being able to go out and see our customers, both existing and new, understanding their industry, needs and challenges.
“We draw from industry context and experience to help them better understand how to navigate their journey in business and help craft a solution to meet their needs.”
Whether you’re just starting out in your business, or you’re a seasoned business owner, our Relationship Managers can provide you with the right kind of support to suit your needs.
Why is it important for business owners to have a positive relationship with their bank?
Our customers want someone they can lean on for advice, comfortably share their world views with, and not be afraid to ask questions.
“People still want that personal element with their banker as they very much regard us as a ‘must have’, like they do their accountant or their solicitor,” Neil said.
“On top of our experience level as a team, and the longer loan terms we offer, the personal factor we offer stands as a key point of difference.
“While I'm always working for my customers as their Relationship Manager, there's also a trust exchange between myself and the customer.”
In one word, Neil describes the business banking team as ‘nimble’ – tailoring their service and the products they offer to customers wants and needs.
If you’d like to bank with a team that truly cares about your business goals and needs, get in touch with Neil via
Better business banking with BCU
BCU is a part of P&N Group, one of Australia’s largest customer-owned banking organisations, represented by BCU in New South Wales and south-east Queensland and P&N Bank in Western Australia.
As a customer-owned bank, our only shareholders are our members. Our purpose is to enrich the lives of our members and their communities.