Handelsbanken, a Swedish bank that specialises in providing personalised banking services recently held an evening drinks reception to mark the official opening of its new offices.

Nick Brooker, branch manager of Handelsbanken Sevenoaks, and the rest of the team welcomed customers and local dignitaries to the the new office in London Road, Blighs Meadow.

The Mayor and Mayoress of Sevenoaks, leader of Sevenoaks council Peter Fleming and Sevenoaks MP Michael Fallon all attended the opening ceremony.

Mr Fallon expressed his enthusiasm for the Handelsbanken concept of relationship banking in a speech.

The Sevenoaks team hope to provide advice on current banking, savings accounts, mortgages and wealth management in their new office which is located opposite the new Sevenoaks M&S.

Mr Brooker said: "As a Handelsbanken customer, you only ever deal with people you know by name. Most of the decisions about any customer's banking, such as lending or mortgages, are actually made by the local branch.

"Our approach also allows our customers to get in touch with us easily to discuss their needs and get a decision. The fact that customers can talk directly to a decision maker really appeals to both individuals and business owners.

"The bespoke element of our service also suits people with less straightforward banking needs, who may want something tailored to their specific requirements.

"We were so excited to be able to welcome all our customers and friends in Sevenoaks to our office opening. By working hand in hand with local firm Offset Architects, for planning permission in the heart of town, we are now ideally placed to serve the local community."

This is the 148 branch for Handelsbanken in the UK. Established in 1871 in Sweden, Handelsbanken opened its first UK branch in the 1980s.