Our story
Recognise was born in recognition of the immense value of UK SMEs to the UK economy and wider society, and the extraordinary potential of that community often unrealised due to a chronic lack of support.
In 2017, Recognise founders Jason Oakley, Bryce Glover and Adrian Golumbina decided enough was enough. To them the SME community had drawn the short straw in banking for too long, putting up with rigid, ‘tick-box’ products and faceless service that showed no real understanding of the vital contribution these businesses make. There had to be a better way.
With experience of running SMEs, as well as working for the big banks (who they felt often couldn’t think small enough), the founders believed they were well placed to create a bank that thinks and acts differently - so they set about obtaining a banking licence.
Nearly three years on Recognise is now authorised as a bank and is growing quickly.
Our handpicked team of close to 40 colleagues is united in a shared commitment to unlocking the full potential of UK SMEs, by providing a markedly different service – one designed for our customers, not for ourselves.
We use our collective skills and experiences to shape business finance to help business owners and entrepreneurs, rather than constrain them. And we deliver this not just with a personal touch, but a local one.
We are focused on lending now, though very shortly we will be providing personal and business savings accounts, bringing competitive offers and more choice to our customers. And, over time, we will look to offer other services relevant to busy entrepreneurs and business owners.
Our head office is located in the heart of the City at The Royal Exchange but we are passionate about the economic importance of the regions so we are already establishing our first offices in Manchester, Birmingham and Leeds.
The dreams and frustrations of business leaders inspire us to innovate and improve – because if UK SMEs are thriving, the UK is too.
Our Values
Respect
We treat others how we like to be treated - colleagues, customers, brokers, suppliers. We honour SME owners for the value they bring to our communities and economy. And the hard work that comes with that..
Simplicity
We're straightforward to work with and to work for. We keep things uncomplicated - from our single-minded focus on UK SMEs, to our pragmatic approach to lending. Our customers don't have time to waste and neither do we.
Relationships
Personal relationships are what set us apart. We build ours on deep understanding, accessibility and trust, without taking ourselves too seriously. Because everything we do is about bringing the human touch back to SME banking.
Kaizen
We don't believe the conventional way of doing things is always the right way or the best. So we look to improve, continuously. This means challenging ourselves to go the extra mile, for our customers and each other, and never settling for the easy option.
Introducing our people
Formed in mid-2019, our diverse Board brings a wealth of experience, ambition, and deep expertise to our mission.
With over 200 years’ combined experience our key decision makers will join you on your journey from day one.
We’re ready to talk face to face wherever you are, from our offices in London, the Midlands, Manchester and Leeds.