21,000 jobs ‘to be created’ at region’s SMEs

The Australian-owned lender said those companies expect to grow employee numbers by seven per cent. Almost 21,000 new private sector jobs could be created, said the bank.

Alan Young, a director at Yorkshire Bank, said: “As the UK economic outlook continues to improve, we are starting to see a positive impact on recruitment plans.”

He insisted that the bank has an open door to well-managed businesses with strong growth plans.

“SMEs are crucial to the UK economy and its emerging recovery and we will continue to support them in 2014,” said Mr Young.

The improving economy is leading to renewed speculation that Yorkshire Bank’s parent could decided to sell its UK assets.

“If the British economy continues to hold up and the National Australia Bank portfolios continue to perform in line with last year’s improving trends, 2014 will be the year in which an exit finally becomes a realistic option,” said Stephen Bartholomeusz, a columnist at Business Spectator in Australia.