Congratulations to Graham Godley for being shortlisted as Corporate Banker of the Year at the Insider Awards.

James: Firstly Graham congratulations on your nomination, I’m sorry it was a close second.
 
Graham: Thanks James yes I'm really pleased to have been shortlisted, not just for myself but for the whole of the Barclays team. It might be an individual award but in reality the success is all about the Barclays team across the board so I’m saying well done to them all.
 
James: That’s a nice view to take, and I share it.  Your nomination acknowledges a lot of hard work over the last year. We all know the challenges post covid but what have been the highlights of the year?
 
Graham: You are right, many of the challenges of 2020 remained in 2021 but it was great to see many businesses gradually return to normal and to be there to help them do that; be that via funding, new payment solutions as businesses moved online, or just being a sounding board as we all work out the new normal. Helping a business do well creates employment, increases wealth across society and is a force for good. If I can help in some small way then that makes me happy.

My individual highlight for 2021 was the first time I was back out on a building development we were helping to fund. It is great to be out again, seeing what our help can do, but nothing says Bank Manager more than being the guy in a suit & tie, with an ill-fitting hi-vz and a hard hat on trying to look composed while avoiding puddles and heavy machinery. I have never been one for looking cool. Daniel Craig I’m not.

James: I probably should declare an interest here as you are our bankers and I can confirm as a customer we’ve had great support from you over the past year, as we always have.
 
Graham: Thank you it has been great to be able to support you and I was delighted to see PDT nominated in so many categories last night – you are clearly doing something right!

I am proud of our relationship with PDT, and the way we work together. I am delighted that some clients of Barclays are now clients of PDT, and vice versa. We have confidence in each other and that makes for an excellent working relationship. 
 
James: Thanks Graham, let’s hope 2022 continues to bring success to us both.