In 2005, the bank launched a new £5 flat fee product for businesses that make at least £12,000 of international payments a year. Businesses do not have to bank with Alliance & Leicester Commercial Bank to take advantage of this offer and customers are able to send their instructions by post, fax, or via a secure web-based payments application. Unlike many other banks, Alliance & Leicester Commercial Bank also provides a dedicated International Services team who have a wealth of experience and knowledge on the international market and how it operates.

Commenting on the growth, Pat Ryan, Head of International Services at Alliance & Leicester Commercial Bank said: "Our £5 flat fee product has proved to be very popular and this competitive pricing, together with the level of service provided by our dedicated International Services team, means that our overall offer is very attractive. The growth we have seen in 2006 suggests that many businesses are waking up to the fact that they do not have to have their account with the bank that carries out their international payments, and those who shop around can cut their costs considerably.

"While traditionally companies in the import/export market have been the main users of international payment services, we are seeing more and more volume from the service industry, which highlights the increasingly international nature of business."