A NEWLY appointed head of HSBC south west has given an optimistic outlook for business in the region.

Daniel Felton has been made head of corporate banking for the south west and Wales, overseeing a team of 110 people at the global bank.

He has swapped working as head of commercial banking for HSBC in Oman to come to the south west, based in Bristol, after spending 12 years abroad in the middle east and pacific.

But says he sees encouraging demand from businesses for support with buy-outs and acquisitions.

He said: “The mid-market business community across the South West and Wales is thriving.

"The regional appetite for growth is infectious and we are seeing management teams confident about the future, though aware of the challenges that exist.

“HSBC UK’s investment in the business community ensures companies have on-the-ground support through Relationship Directors who really understand both the local and international market, the opportunity at hand, as well as the challenges.

"We continue to invest across the region, which shows how committed we are to helping businesses in the region grow. I’m very excited to be joining the team at this key time.”