Paul Beadle has been appointed as head of communications for Recognise Bank.

With over 25 years’ experience in financial services, Beadle (pictured) was previously head of external affairs for consumer and social media at Nationwide Building Society and was most recently an associate director at financial PR agency, MRM, where he managed clients including Barclays Wealth and Investments, Shawbrook Bank and fintech investment platform, eToro.

Beadle began working with Recognise Bank at the start of the year, managing its media relations and social media as it progressed through a funding round, the lifting of deposit restrictions by the regulator and the launch of its first range of personal saving accounts.

He now takes on the PR and media relations role full-time and will also oversee internal communications and social media, as well as issues management. As the bank enters its second full year of trading, Beadle will be responsible for developing the communications strategy to support the launch of business savings accounts and other new business lending products in the pipeline.

Beadle said: “It’s an exciting time to be launching a new bank, especially one that has set out to support the UK’s SMEs, which is an economically important and vibrant sector itself. I bring a wealth of experience of working in the highly regulated banking environment, as well as the fast-paced entrepreneurial approach of the fintech sector, a perfect mix to raise the profile and brand awareness of Recognise.”

Beadle will report to Deputy CEO, Bryce Glover, who added: “I’m really pleased to have Paul fully onboard because he brings experience and passion to the communications role. As a new entrant into the sector, we have ambitious plans to change the face of business banking, so Paul’s understanding of traditional media and digital channels will be vital to help us stand out and reach small businesses.”