Latest news with #IainKendrick
Finextra
21 hours ago
- Business
- Finextra
Zopa opens Manchester office
London-headquartered digital bank Zopa is opening an office in Manchester as it bids to create a 500-strong workforce in the city. 0 Opening in central Manchester next month, the office will initially provide space for a team of 50+ employees, with roles focused on product, engineering, and specialist operations. It "could" grow tenfold to over 500 staff over time, says Zopa. The bank is planning to tap into the city's thriving tech ecosystem, strong financial services presence, and deep talent pool. With over 10,000 digital and tech businesses, a flourishing startup scene, and five major universities enrolling over 100,000 students, Manchester has become one of Europe's fastest-growing tech hubs. Iain Kendrick, chief people officer, Zopa, says: "With more than 85% of our customers based outside the capital, expanding into Manchester allows us to be closer to our diverse, nationwide customer base, access new talent, and accelerate our ambitious growth journey. Manchester has the energy, connectivity, and capability we need to support our next stage of expansion as we make Zopa a top-choice employer across regions." A P2P lending pioneer, Zopa pivoted to become a bank in 2020 and has since amassed 1.5 million customers, lending more than £13 billion and securing two straight years of profitability. In June it marked a major milestone, finally launching its first current account, Biscuit. As it grows the business, the firm is also expecting to move to its landmark new headquarters in London later this year, doubling its office footprint for around 900 employees.
Finextra
4 days ago
- Business
- Finextra
Zopa to open office in Manchester, UK
Zopa, the digital bank pioneer trusted by 1.5 million customers, has announced the opening of a new office in central Manchester. 0 Set to launch as early as August 2025, the move represents a significant step in Zopa's ambition to grow its footprint across the UK and reflects the company's ongoing investment in innovation and talent. It follows Zopa's entry into everyday banking with Biscuit, its flagship bank account, that delivers the highest value on the market alongside mobile-first ease and convenience. Zopa selected Manchester for its new office due to the city's thriving tech ecosystem, strong financial services presence, and deep talent pool. With over 10,000 digital and tech businesses, a flourishing startup scene, and five major universities enrolling over 100,000 students, Manchester has become one of Europe's fastest-growing tech hubs. The Zopa Manchester office will initially provide space for a team of 50+ employees, with roles focused on product, engineering, and specialist operations. It could grow tenfold to over 500 staff over time. Iain Kendrick, Chief People Officer said: "With more than 85% of our customers based outside the capital, expanding into Manchester allows us to be closer to our diverse, nationwide customer base, access new talent, and accelerate our ambitious growth journey. Manchester has the energy, connectivity, and capability we need to support our next stage of expansion as we make Zopa a top-choice employer across regions.' Leader of the Council Bev Craig added: 'Manchester has an active and ever-growing digital and tech community that is attracting key businesses that can take advantage of the ecosystem we have built in the city to support organisations to thrive. The new Zopa office is a continuation of this and further bolsters our reputation internationally as an important centre for fintech – while also supporting Manchester's own growth ambitions in the tech sector, creating great employment opportunities to our residents.' Joe Manning – Managing Director MIDAS said: 'Zopa's choice of Manchester reflects our city-region's fantastic digital landscape and financial services strength. Our vibrant community of thousands of tech companies, dynamic startup culture, and major universities producing skilled graduates create an ideal environment for innovative banking. This investment demonstrates how our city-region has become a magnet for leading fintech businesses seeking growth opportunities. We look forward to welcoming them to Manchester.' The expansion underscores Zopa's remarkable trajectory as one of the fastest-growing digital banks in the UK, having had an exceptionally strong year with continuous double-digit growth, and increased profitability. Continued innovation and partnerships with household brands like Octopus Energy and John Lewis, amongst others, helped Zopa double pre-tax profits to £34.2 million in FY2024. With sustained, profitable growth, Zopa is expected to move to its landmark new headquarters later this year, doubling its office footprint – in addition to opening the new regional office in Manchester. Unlike many fintechs, Zopa holds a full UK banking license, meeting the same regulatory standards as traditional banks. Deposits are protected up to £85,000 by the FSCS. One of the UK's highest rated and most celebrated financial brands, Zopa has been recognised with over 10 British Bank Awards, holds a Trustpilot rating of 4.6/5, and has one of the highest customer satisfaction scores in the industry.
