HSBC UK unleashes the luck of its lions in Birmingham
Ian Stuart, CEO, HSBC UK, is joined by Jacques Rosset, Feng Sui architect, as he deposits wishes under Stitt the lion during the recent Feng Shui ceremony
The ceremony opens the building to the natural energy flow of ch’i to establish a feeling of harmony, wellness and good destiny, while the lions symbolise success and prosperity.
In line with feng shui tradition, eight lucky coins along with handwritten wishes for the bank’s future will be buried under the lions for protection.
The bronze guardians, nicknamed Stephen and Stitt after two HSBC senior managers in the 1920s, have a proud heritage in the bank, standing guard at HSBC head offices around the globe, including Hong Kong and London. Because of the positive feng shui associated with the lions, people often stroke their noses and paws for luck.
The new Birmingham head office for HSBC UK signals a return to its midlands roots. HSBC acquired Midland Bank in 1992, adopting the HSBC brand globally in 1999. In 2015 the HSBC Group announced it would establish its HSBC UK head office in Birmingham.
Ian Stuart, CEO, HSBC UK said: “Today we’re formally welcoming Stephen and Stitt to their new home in Centenary Square, linking our international history with our Birmingham heritage.
“These iconic lions are not only a significant part of our shared HSBC history, they’re also symbols of good fortune, growth and prosperity – things we hope to bring to the UK, and Birmingham.”
Jacques Rosset, Feng Shui architect, who conducted the ceremony said: “Feng Shui is the Chinese art of geomancy which originated in the Far East and considers that the energy flow of Chi is present everywhere in our environment. The good circulation of Chi is establishing a feeling of harmony and wellness and contributes to good health and good destiny. HSBC’s lions symbolise success and prosperity which protect the family, the entrance of homes and public buildings. I am proud to be able to release this positive energy at HSBC UK’s new headquarters in Birmingham and wish employees, visitors and the surrounding area continued and long-standing prosperity.”
The ceremony takes place as HSBC UK completes the final preparation before its people occupy the building in October.
Media enquiries to:
Steve Gracey,
HSBC UK Press Office:
steve.gracey@hsbc.com
07920 413410
Twitter: @HSBC_UK
Notes to editors:
HSBC UK history
The history of the HSBC lions
HSBC UK
HSBC UK serves around 14.5 million customers in the UK supported by approximately 32,000 employees. HSBC UK offers a complete range of personal, premier and private banking services including bank accounts and mortgages. It also provides commercial banking for small to medium businesses and large corporates. HSBC UK Bank plc is a wholly owned subsidiary of HSBC Holdings plc.
HSBC Holdings plc
HSBC Holdings plc, the parent company of the HSBC Group, is headquartered in London. The Group serves customers worldwide from around 3,800 offices in 66 countries and territories in Europe, Asia, North and Latin America, and the Middle East and North Africa. With assets of US$2,607bn at 30 June 2018, HSBC is one of the world’s largest banking and financial services organisations.
HSBC UK unleashes the luck of its lions in Birmingham (2-page PDF 64KB)