Search

Full circle: Alix’s journey back to Recognise Bank

Sometimes the best stories are the ones that come full circle. There’s a special kind of energy in the office when a familiar face returns. It’s more than just filling a vacant seat; it’s a testament to the culture and connections that make a workplace feel like a community.

Alix was a key member of our Credit team for over two years before taking an opportunity to gain experience at a larger financial institution. Now she’s back, and her story is one of growth, connection, and the undeniable pull of a place that feels like home.

We sat down with Alix to talk about what drew her back to Recognise Bank, what’s changed since she’s returned and what makes the culture here feel different.

Q: Alix, first of all, welcome back! It’s so great to see you again. How does it feel to be back?
A: It feels brilliant, honestly. When the opportunity came up to return, the decision was surprisingly easy. It just felt right. It really does feel like coming home.

Q: Let’s go back to your first chapter with us. What was it about Recognise that you enjoyed so much during your first two years here?
A: Oh, it’s the people, isn’t it! That was always the best part. I worked with Gavin, Gemma, and Marcellus, and the relationships we built made coming to work genuinely enjoyable. Beyond that, I loved the energy of a smaller organisation. You get to see how the whole business is growing, and you feel like you can make a real difference. You get to know people from every department, from marketing to operations.

Q: You then took the opportunity to work at a much larger organisation. What did you learn from your time there?
A: It was a massive learning curve, and I’m so glad I did it. Working in that kind of environment gave me a completely different perspective. I learned a lot about different systems and processes that you only see in a large-scale operation. I feel like I came back a better and more rounded professional for it. I’m genuinely grateful for the experience and the people I worked with there.

Q: We’re so glad you had that experience and decided to come back. What was the pull? What made you decide to return to Recognise Bank?
A: The truth is, I never really got unattached. I kept in touch with the team here the whole time I was away. I think you get along with certain people, and they become your people. So, when Gavin reached out to say a position had opened up, it just clicked. It felt like the perfect moment to bring my new skills back to a team and a place I already loved.

Q: It sounds like perfect timing! You’ve returned with new skills to a bank that has been on a journey of growth. How does that combination feel?
A: It feels incredibly exciting and it’s great to be a part of that forward momentum again. It’s about applying new knowledge within a culture that I know and thrive in.

Q: That’s wonderful to hear. Finally, looking ahead, what are you most excited about for your future here at Recognise Bank?
A: I’m just excited to be part of the journey again. Being in a team where you can see the direct impact of your work is incredibly rewarding. There’s a real sense of optimism and energy here, and I’m excited to roll up my sleeves and help build the future of this bank with people I genuinely admire and enjoy working with.

For us at Recognise, Alix’s story is a powerful reminder that when people, culture and community come together, they create something truly special. Her journey back to Recognise Bank isn’t just about returning to a role – it’s about returning to a place where she feels valued, supported and part of a team that genuinely cares.

Welcome home, Alix. It’s great to have you back.

Steve Pateman
CHAIR OF THE BOARD

Steve has had an extensive executive career in banking, leading corporate and commercial banking businesses at RBS/NatWest, managing Santander’s UK banking businesses and as CEO of Shawbrook Bank, Hodge Banking Group and most recently successfully leading the banking licence application for StreamBank.

He is a non-executive Director at Bank of Ireland both in the UK and Dublin and Thin Cats, a specialist SME lending business and is retained as an advisor to Black Lion Ventures. He was previously President of the Chartered Banker Institute.

Steve took up the role of Chair (subject to regulatory approval) at Recognise Bank in November 2024, having served as an Investor Non-Executive Director since January 2024.