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There is nothing Societe Generale BDDF retail banking in France will not do to be closer to our customers and satisfy their needs. An example is the early November opening of a branch in Bouc-Bel-Air in the heart of Provence. Branch manager Jennifer Lecourt is with us today to talk about this branch opening. Hello Jennifer.

Firstly, could you explain to us how the plan for a branch in Bouc-Bel-Air branch began?

Jennifer Lecourt: The idea arose from an observation, then an opportunity, as in Bouc-Bel-Air there is no Societe Generale presence, no branch. And it’s an area of strong economic growth, between the two major agglomerations of Aix-en-Provence and Marseille, at the heart of Provence. The local infrastructure is ideal, with the new Aix-en-Provence TGV railway station and major motorway arteries nearby, making it a great location for us, Societe Generale. The project also arose from an opportunity, as a shopping centre was going to be built in Bouc-Bel-Air, where we had the possibility of a choice spot in a centre of lively activity. Finally, I would just like to give you a figure: in less than three years, the Aix-en-Provence commercial operations division has opened two new branches, which demonstrates our high potential in this geographical business area.

Could you give us an overview of the new branch?

J. L.: It will be a cashless branch with three employees and myself, dedicated to receiving and advising our customers and prospective customers. It will be equipped with various automated machines and will be staffed by specialists in our different market sectors – private individuals, businesses and our high net worth clientele. We will also be fortunate enough to have our local sales manager on the premises, which will be a major asset on branch opening.

Is there greater proximity to the public in this branch?

J. L.: Yes, absolutely. Proximity, shared work and team work.

For the time being, you are still in the implementation or start-up phase. Could you tell us more about it?

J. L.: In fact, for several months I’ve been lucky enough to be released by management to devote myself exclusively to implementing this project, which is close to my heart. And it has given me the opportunity to work with different departments with whom we rarely collaborate when in branch, such as human resources, resource management, marketing too, and management. It’s given me a different insight into their role. And all this teamwork will culminate in the branch opening on 2 November 2011.

Customer satisfaction is one of the four major focal points of our SG2015 Ambition programme. The Bouc-Bel-Air branch opening fits in with this priority...

J. L.: Absolutely. Opening the Bouc-Bel-Air branch will provide just over 2,000 Societe Generale customers who live or work within our catchment area with a nearby point of sale. And this proximity, to be close to their bank and their banker, truly is an expectation our customers have today. By opening this branch, Societe Generale wished to show the importance it places on our customers and their satisfaction, and to thank them for their loyalty.

Thank you, Jennifer. Goodbye.