28 March 2014

Kcom has designed and implemented a complete unified communications solution for Lloyds TSB Corporate Markets. The solution was sought when the bank made a crucial move to consolidate its corporate-focused businesses, led by the opening of a new state-of-the-art head office (pictured left) in Gresham Street, London.

In late 2005, the relationship banking, structured finance, debt capital markets and risk management businesses for Lloyds’ corporate customers were merged. In July 2006, this single and united business was re-launched as ‘Lloyds TSB Corporate Markets’. During the integration of the underlying 14 business units, several major challenges were uncovered. There were several old buildings with limited communications within and between them, as well as no access to a common customer database. A decision was made to create a single front office where the bank’s clients could be accessed. New headquarters were found in the City of London to house more than 1,100 staff, including 200 traders.

From the signing of the lease at the new Gresham Street headquarters, the management team had one year to get the premises fully operational. With 300 people on the site it was a complex coordination exercise.

Kcom had already proven to be a valuable partner for Lloyds, delivering successful projects at its Monument Street office and contingency centre. Using Cisco products, the company was selected to provide the LAN at the new site together with an IPT system for all the staff. Kcom also deployed a Cisco Aironet wireless network, voice messaging, and a 30-seat contact centre. In addition, a three-year reactive break/fix support contract is in place and will ensure that the network runs smoothly.

It’s claimed that Lloyds TSB Corporate Markets now has a world-class facility using the latest technology to provide a converged voice and data network.

Colin Everett, head of IT strategy and architecture at Lloyds TSB Corporate Markets, says: “The working environment is vastly improved and we are starting to reap the rewards. We can now walk around and talk to the sales teams. There is a new cafe with built-in wireless access, providing a great environment for meeting, talking and planning. With traders and bankers working long days, it is paramount that they have the most conducive working environment. Productivity will increase as a result.”