Bank of Scotland appoints new north east boss

Bank of Scotland has announced the appointment of Clare Richardson as its new area director for the north-east of Scotland.

Ms Richardson, previously business development director for the north of Scotland in the bank’s mid markets team, is now leading a team of relationship directors and managers serving small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the region.

She has 20 years’ experience supporting and managing businesses of varying sizes across a range of sectors, with specialisms in debt, equity and commodities and additional experience in the property and charitable sectors.

Ms Richardson, based in Aberdeen, said: “Bank of Scotland’s commitment to supporting SMEs is a key part of our latest business growth charter, which is focused on helping businesses export, improving their digital skills and fulfilling their growth ambitions. We want to ensure that they have access to affordable finance and that we are providing the right support to help these businesses grow.”

Meanwhile, Craig Pollock has been named the lender’s new director for Scottish manufacturing. He moves from his role as SME area director where he worked alongside the regional director for SME Scotland, Fraser Sime and the 90-strong relationship team who support clients with turnover between £1m and £25m.

In his new Scotland-wide role, Mr Pollock has been charged with supporting the growth of the Scottish manufacturing sector by providing tailored finance and guidance that matches the industry’s needs.

He said: “I’m excited to be leading our Manufacturing team in Scotland supporting a sector that is integral to the country’s economic growth objectives.

“At Bank of Scotland, we understand that manufacturing businesses have unique banking needs and through our specially trained relationship managers we are committed to backing them with the kind of tailored support they need.

“That can be assisting with cashflow needs, financing growth to build new supply chains, improving efficiency, or helping them to enter new markets at home and abroad.

“Our latest PMI report found manufacturers have seen strong growth in new orders and I’m looking forward to working with our team of specialist managers to help Scottish firms to achieve sustained, long-term growth.”