HSBC Commercial Banking has appointed Andy Follington as area commercial director for North Yorkshire.

He replaces Leigh Briggs and will lead the commercial banking team to support businesses in the area with a turnover of between £2 million and £30 million.

Previously a senior international commercial manager for HSBC in the Thames Valley, Follington will head a team of 15 relationship managers, dedicated to supporting businesses in all sectors and will be supported by deputy area commercial directors Phil Look, Steve Halliday and Sharon Davison.

Follington said: “HSBC is successful on an international level, but the focus for my team is how we leverage that success to add value for our business customers and use our international capabilities to provide them with assistance and guidance.

“In addition to supporting businesses which are looking to export or expand internationally for the first time, I’m also really excited about the prospects for businesses in the agricultural sector, which is thriving in the area.”

Follington will report to David Beaty, regional commercial director for the North of England and will be based at the bank’s commercial centre in York.

Beaty said: “I am thrilled to welcome Andy to the team. HSBC is well placed to help companies who are trading, or aspire to trade, internationally, with our UK export related business growing by a third last year compared to 13% for the UK economy as a whole. Our strategy is based around international connectivity, with our joined-up structure and global footprint giving UK businesses access to global expertise and support.

“We are seeing increased demand from businesses within the northern region for facilities to support their international growth aspirations and Andy’s appointment represents an exciting opportunity to help more local companies access opportunities abroad.”