A new Manchester home for Weatherbys Private Bank. Weatherbys Private Bank has relocated to a new office in Manchester, strengthening its presence in one of the UK's most dynamic regional economies. Having first opened an office in the city in 2022, its Manchester team has now relocated to Sunlight House in Spinningfields. The move to Sunlight House brings together Weatherbys' long-standing heritage with its continued commitment to clients in Manchester and across the North West. It also marks an important step in its wider growth plans, reflecting the role Manchester and the surrounding region will play in the future of the bank. A city with history, ambition and momentum. Duncan Gourlay, Deputy Head of Private Clients, said: "Sunlight House was Manchester's first skyscraper and has now been totally 'reimagined' as a state-of-the-art office space. "That same combination of history and innovation is central to its own story. Weatherbys' origins can be traced back to 1770, but Weatherbys has always strived to move with the times. "Its vision for the business's future is to drive growth through investment in people and technology. In other words, Weatherbys want to combine its long-established culture with the cutting edge. "With that goal in mind, we regard Manchester - along with the North West as a whole - as not just a hugely important region but a major element of our long-term growth ambitions." Supporting clients across the North West. The Manchester team is currently eight-strong, with more recruits in the offing. It is led by Senior Private Banker Michelle Duncalf, who grew up locally and is well known in the region. As well as working with some of the city's most successful entrepreneurs, Duncalf is a trustee of FareShare Greater Manchester and a director of the Manchester Camerata Orchestra. Gourlay said: "Michelle's profile fits perfectly with our goal of being the first choice for those in the North West who want a banking service that places clients firmly at the heart of everything." Other team members include Principal Private Banker Daniel Porteous and Private Banker Laurence Jackson, both of whom have also worked extensively across the North West. As its Manchester office continues to grow, Weatherbys look forward to deepening its relationships with clients, advisers and communities across the region.

Welcoming two private bankers to its London team. Weatherbys Private Bank has hired two new bankers - its 10th and 11th in the past year - as part of its push to double in size before the end of the decade. Jonathan Batley and Nick Armstrong-Flemming and have joined its London team and both took up their new roles earlier this month. Armstrong-Flemming, who has been appointed a Senior Private Banker, spent five years as an Army officer before entering the private banking world. He had roles with C. Hoare & Co. and Adam & Company before moving to Arbuthnot Latham, where he was Senior Private Banker in the international team. Nick has more than 20 years' experience in private banking and relationship management and holds the CeMAP and CeFA qualifications. He said: "I joined Weatherbys because it's excellent at what it does. Its market-leading Net Promoter Score for client satisfaction speaks volumes in that regard. "This is a bank that's going places, with very ambitious growth plans for the next five years, and I want to help it achieve these goals in any way I can." Batley was an officer in the Royal Navy before he moved into broadcasting and then into finance, spending the last nine and a half years at Coutts as a private banker, the role he taken up at Weatherbys. He credits his diverse career path with giving him a deep understanding of alternative ways of working, leadership styles and the factors that shape people's perspectives. Jonathan has worked closely with clients on all facets of banking, including lending and wealth management, and he holds the CeMAP and IAD qualifications. He said: "What particularly appeals to me about working at Weatherbys is the emphasis on long-term relationships, trust, and exceptional client service. "Its approach aligns with how I believe private banking should be. I'm proud to represent a bank that has both a strong heritage and a bright future." Weatherbys enjoyed impressive growth in 2025, with deposit balances reaching £1.9 billion and lending balances exceeding £1 billion for the first time. Oliver Barnett, Head of Private Clients, said: "Weatherbys Bank Limited is delighted to welcome Nick and Jonathan, who will add even more experience to its London team. "These appointments underline how we're continuing to grow without ever losing sight of the relationship-led approach that has always defined us."

St Martin-in-the-Fields to host the Autumn Connector. Date. July 6, 2026 The Funding Network International is delighted to announce that this year's Autumn Connector will take place at St Martin-in-the-Fields. Wednesday 16 September, from 5.45pm. Overlooking Trafalgar Square, St Martin-in-the-Fields is one of London's most iconic churches and cultural venues, renowned for its beautiful architecture, wonderful music and long-standing commitment to social action. It is also fully accessible and just a short stroll from Charing Cross and Leicester Square stations. The Funding Network International could not think of a more inspiring setting for an evening of big ideas, brilliant charities and generous people. The Funding Network International is also delighted that the Autumn Connector will mark Weatherbys Private Bank's first event with The Funding Network International as a corporate host. Part of a family business with roots in British horse racing stretching back to 1770, Weatherbys certainly knows a thing or two about backing promising contenders. The Funding Network International is thrilled to be working with Roger Weatherby, Chairman of Weatherbys Banking Group, and his team to make the evening a memorable one. The selected charities will be announced on 16 July. Visit the event page for updates and to register your place. Members and their guests attend free of charge, while tickets for non-members are £20. Everyone is welcome, and there's no obligation to give, but every inducement to do so!