• 3 min read

Lloyds Banking Group launches Bristol Hub with innovative pod model

Lloyds Banking Group (LBG) is excited to announce the launch of a new initiative to drive forward the new technology hub in Bristol. This bold initiative is aimed at securing the long-term future of its technology teams by focusing on emerging talent and D&I, and is just one part of LBG's broader commitment to investing in permanent workforce capabilities and building a more diverse and inclusive work environment.

Technology Academy

The Bristol Hub initiative is led by Peter Crouch, CIO of LBG Business & Commercial Bank, and Dom Adams, Technology Director of Commercial Lending and CIO of the Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (AMC), with support from Bright Network Technology Academy. To date, the initiative has already successfully introduced 20 new colleagues to the Bristol Hub. These new team members bring a diverse range of backgrounds and skills, with 85% of the colleagues from diverse backgrounds while 50% are female.

This initiative not only enhances LBG's technological capabilities but also aligns with the bank's strategy to transform its workforce composition. The goal is to shift from a 20% to 60% permanent work force over the next few years. This transition is critical for the bank's strategic workforce planning objectives.

The Bristol project is progressing massively well. We are seeing excellent progress, and the morale of the new cohort is very high. Many of our new colleagues have expressed a strong desire to build their careers in Bristol, which is a testament to the initiative's success.

Duncan Edwards
Duncan Edwards
Senior Subject Matter Expert - Branch IT

This initiative also utilises Bright Network Technology Academy's innovative pod-based model for embedding emerging tech talent. The pod model involves organising junior hires into groups led by an experienced technologist. This structure is helping to accelerate the integration of emerging talent, enhance diversity, and ensure new colleagues receive tailored mentorship and support.  

The introduction of these new colleagues not only supports LBG's operational goals but also contributes to the broader economic development of Bristol by attracting diverse talent to the city.

Our partnership with Lloyds Banking Group on this initiative highlights the importance of investing in young talent and fostering an inclusive environment. The early success of the Bristol Hub is encouraging, and we look forward to seeing continued growth and impact.

Tara - Team photos
Tara McKay
Managing Director

As the project progresses, LBG is excited to see how the Bristol Hub evolves over the next 18 months and is confident that the impact of further cohorts of emerging talent will have long term beneficial results. This initiative is a critical part of LBG's strategy to build a and inclusive future for a workplace that’s truly representative of the modern British communities it serves.