George is the magazine for St.George Bank’s corporate customers. Aimed at executive-level readers, it features customer case studies, news, articles on emerging business and management trends, product information, lifestyle features and more.
Issue link: http://viewer.e-digitaleditions.com/i/48224
How St.George helped Sparke Helmore has been a client of St.George's since 2008. "They are very proactive in managing our account," says Jesse Webb, National Managing Partner. "They've reviewed our facilities and suggested alternative products or solutions that would better serve our business. "Our staff benefit from the expertise of St.George through briefings and consultations about issues that matter to them such as superannuation and wealth management. "The bank has gone to great lengths to implement an offset facility for the operating bank accounts that the firm uses. This was not a straightforward exercise, and one that other banks could not offer. St.George persevered and delivered this service to the firm, which greatly reduces administration time and also delivers cost benefits in the form of interest savings." Ben Burney and Adam Fuller and their team of lawyers from Middletons recently boosted the finance and banking team. One client that has benefited from this increased expertise is St.George. Since winning appointment to the St.George legal services panel four years ago, Sparke Helmore has advised on a range of legal issues including project finance, property finance, workplace relations and safety, and dispute resolution. Most recently, the firm assisted the bank in developing innovative finance products for the property industry. It has also assisted on specialised financing products, ensuring St.George remains highly competitive in this market. collaboration among teams, a willingness to reward the best performers and not internal politicians, and a reputation for ease of doing business [with]". Apart from the quality of the client base, the work and the partners, Jesse says the firm's distinctive culture attracts "the best people to do the work". Team building Over the past two years, the strategic acquisition of partners has substantially increased the firm's capability to meet clients' needs, particularly in the financial services, major projects and government sectors. Partners Richard Morrison and Michael Palfrey have joined the firm's team of Commonwealth Government experts while Bill Kritharas from Norton Rose has enhanced the firm's offering in workplace relations and safety. Financial services specialists The right way to compete Clients have become sophisticated buyers of legal services and tendering for legal work is now commonplace for law firms, especially for clients in government and insurance. "We won't tender for areas we aren't strong in," says Jesse. "Our track record of quality work and quality people is paramount and builds momentum [in the market]." Jesse agrees that clients want value for money, but the key to looking after clients remains knowing their industry and particular business intimately in order to recognise 'hot spots' and provide solutions. It also means putting the customer at the centre and "taking nothing for granted in our dealings with them". "The way St.George manages its relationship with us has taught us what great relationship management and customer service entails," says Jesse. "We have a Relationship Manager we can discuss issues with who has the authority to make things happen within the bank and everyone we deal with exhibits a customer-focused 'can do' approach. We like to think we do the same with our clients." www.stgeorge.com.au/george George 23