HSBC has appointed Leigh Briggs as area commercial director for Lancashire and Cumbria.

She is tasked with supporting businesses with a turnover between £2 million and £30 million.

Briggs will report to David Beaty, regional commercial director for the North of England, and will be based at the Bank’s commercial centre in Preston.

Her appointment follows HSBC’s confirmation that it has met its Merlin lending targets for 2011.

Briggs has spent 26 years with HSBC starting with Midland Bank in its management and graduate programme. She has had roles in retail branch management, commercial banking and credit and risk.

She moves from her previous role where she was area commercial director for North Yorkshire.

Brigg said: “I’m delighted to be part of such a dedicated and industrious team and I’m looking forward to providing both new and existing customers in Lancashire and Cumbria with the support needed to achieve their domestic and international growth plans.