A GROWING local company has decided to transfer all its financial affairs into Lloyds TSB Commercial's specialised Industry Focus banking service.

The Bethell Group at Stoneclough has a £50 million order book and the leading infrastructure service provider aims for a turnover of £150 million by 2005. It plans to create 250 new jobs over the next year.

Bethell previously had relationships with NatWest, Royal Bank of Scotland and Barclays.

Mr Tim Kilroe, Bethell's Chief Executive, said: "It makes sense to have the one bank as we grow and Lloyds TSB Commercial impressed us with their knowledge of our industry sector and their approach to customer relationships."

Mr Steve Goulding, the Lloyds TSB Commercial relationship manager, said: "The Bethell Group is a major success story among privately-owned companies in the North-west.

"The group is handling so much construction and infrastructure serviced work throughout the region.

"You cannot go through many regeneration areas before spotting one of the company's signboards.

"This is all the more impressive when you consider how fiercely competitive the tendering process is for the market in which the group continues to win new business."

Pictured from left, are Mike Kershaw and Steve Goulding of Lloyds TSB Commercial and Terry White and Tim Kilroe of the Bethell Group.