“We’re seeing a lot of optimism” – Coutts celebrates 50 years in Bristol

Coutts Bristol office, the centre of our South West of England regional operation, recently celebrated fifty years. Our connection with the region stretches back much further, having served many clients in the area over the centuries, including the Romantic Poet Laureate Robert Southey.

To celebrate this anniversary, we invited clients for a special event in the Somerset countryside at Aldwick Estate where they were joined by former Bristol City and England football manager Roy Hodgson who shared a fireside chat with Coutts Integration Director Dylan Williams.

Former England manager Roy Hodgson on longevity and leadership.

Together, Roy and Dylan discussed the importance of leadership in management, as well as the crucial need to understand and reflect the heritage and background of your team. Roy also shared his thoughts on the current England football team against the backdrop of the FIFA World Cup, giving clients an insight into his own tenure at the top of the sport.

“One of the most special things about Coutts is how we partner with clients. Our regional services are crucial to that and it’s wonderful to celebrate our ongoing relationships. Our first ever Bristol client, who joined us fifty years ago, is still with us,” said Shona Baijal, Managing Director for Coutts Wealth.

“We’ve seen so much happen over the last fifty years and no doubt the next fifty will have its challenges. What matters to us is understanding that no two clients are the same – even if they’re from the same family. Each generation will have their own goals and the need to be supported in the right way – from wealth transition across generations and inheritance, to potential growth, financing and property portfolios; we want to be responsible for making sure it’s all done in the best possible way for each client.

“Being here in Bristol and throughout the UK, in reach, present and ready to listen and advise is huge part of how we do that.”

“Speaking to clients, here and throughout the UK, one thing that’s been striking in my role is how rightly proud they are of their region,” said Olly Baker, Head of Coutts Regions South. “Bristol especially has been a real engine of growth. We were the first Coutts regional office, and we’ve now grown to a team of 300, all serving clients in the South West.

“From clients, we’re seeing a lot of optimism on how new technologies such as AI can help their businesses and new markets grow. We believe in supporting that with a local service that understands their needs here, across the UK and globally. That means a personalised approach with them at home and with their families but also with their commercial ventures. It’s not about being centralised and distant, it’s about being here and present. I’m delighted we’ve done that for fifty years and look forward to growing with our clients across the south of the UK and beyond for another fifty.”

“A real milestone for us is the news today of the completion of our acquisition of Evelyn Partners, giving us an even greater depth of service throughout the group and an even more fixed presence regionally. We’re looking forward to bringing that to our clients.” 

Please speak to your Private Banker to find out more about how we can support you and your life’s goals, wherever you are based.

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