Co-op wins consumer prize

Graduate recruiter the Co-operative Bank has been named as the best financial services provider by a consumer body.

The Which? award is held annually and recognises organisations that give the best services across platforms such as current accounts, credit cards and mortgages.

Chief Executive David Anderson of the retailer said: 'Following the Bank of England['s] call for banks to increase lending, we are in a position to respond positively to this challenge and continue to be very much open for lending.'

Which? commended the organisation for its 'prudent and responsible' banking practices throughout the recession and its loyalty to ethical guidelines.

According to the firm, it has been able to ride difficult economic conditions by conscientious lending based on what is received through customer deposits.

The Co-operative Bank recently triumphed at the Fresh Produce Journal's Re:fresh awards by winning both the overall produce trader of the year and the multiple retailer of the year categories.