THE Royal Bank of Scotland is creating a new centre for business customers in Worcestershire and Herefordshire.

It has also appointed Phil Dutton to the position of director of commercial banking for the two counties.

Currently senior manager, commercial banking, Worcestershire, Phil has worked with business customers in the county for the last four years and 2006 sees him celebrate his 25th year in banking, having started his career with NatWest in Skegness.

In his new role, Phil will be responsible for the bank's relationship with companies in both counties typically with turnovers between £1 and £25m and will lead a team of relationship managers across offices in Bromsgrove and Hereford.

Shaun Kelly, RBS's regional managing director, commercial banking, Midlands and North Wales, said: "Phil's appointment and the creation of a dedicated business centre to serve Herefordshire and Worcestershire further underlines the bank's commitment to local companies.

Under Phil's leadership, our teams in Bromsgrove and Hereford will be better placed to continue to deliver for customers old and new as they strive to reach their business ambitions."