This Is Guernsey

By Tom Edwards

CREATING an inspirational working environment is so important to Deutsche Bank that it has even bought artwork for staff to enjoy in the office. The company has one of the largest private collections in the world, consisting of 55,000 pieces by artists such as Tracy Emin.

Chief operating officer Andreas Tautscher said it was about making an investment in staff happiness.

‘The main private collection started in the 1960s,’ he said.

‘It was never bought for investment purposes, but rather for the enjoyment of the staff. We tend to purchase works by up-and- coming artists while they are still alive and we want to share it with people as well, so last summer we brought part of the collection to the Candie Museum.’

Last year was a milestone for Deutsche Bank’s offshore group - its 35th anniversary of operations in the island.

In addition, the bank had the extra accolade of winning the Awards for Achievement Healthspan best large business award.

‘The staff have really enjoyed the last year and gained a lot from it,’ said Mr Tautscher.

‘Recognition at the awards was a seal of approval.

‘We were very proud to have won, considering the number of companies that had put themselves forward.’

Guernsey is the head office of Deutsche Global International business and Deutsche Bank employs 95 staff within its main business areas.

The company is dedicated to communicating with its customers to ensure their requirements are met and this has been largely achieved with the introduction of the discovery questionnaire for all private clients.

Each is assigned a relationship manager supported by a team of account managers who aim to develop strategies and achieve practical financial goals.

‘The questionnaire was something we developed to learn more about our clients,’ said Mr Tautscher.

‘You can’t provide people with all the resources they need if you don’t know about their interests and concerns.

‘It’s quite a progressive step for a bank to take, but we feel it’s the way the industry is going anyway and we want to be leaders.’

That effort seems to be paying off.

It was named best Channel Islands private bank in the 2007 Euromoney private banking survey and has seen business double in the last two years.

The company also embarked upon a community challenge, in which 50 staff volunteered to refurbish the Ron Short Centre.

‘The original idea came from the Challenge Anneka TV show,’ said Mr Tautscher.

‘From a Friday afternoon until the Monday morning we gave the centre a complete makeover, which it was in desperate need of. There was a huge response from the local community and lots of people from outside the bank gave up their time to get involved as well. It restored our faith in community spirit and our staff enjoyed themselves greatly.’

Speaking about the best large business award, marketing manager Sari Cuming said it was a testament to the firm’s hard working Guernsey staff.

‘We were delighted that our investments during 2007 were recognised among such distinguished nominations and before such a prestigious audience.’