Through its connection with Scotland Food & Drink and its 450 member businesses, the building society offers specialist commercial lending, savings products alongside a relationship-focused service, helping to support and promote the industry.

Recognising its 175th anniversary this year, The Cumberland helps businesses through its Kinder Banking approach, with relationship managers based in Scotland who understand the challenges businesses face in their communities, whether it is increased outgoings, supply chain challenges, staffing shortages, or making their operations more sustainable.

The Cumberland joins the independent trade association following its Scottish Food & Drink September campaign, an initiative designed to celebrate the country’s food and drink organisations, with this year’s theme based around innovation.

A major contributor to the country’s economy, the sector is Scotland’s largest employer, valued at £15 billion, and holds a global reach with food exports increasing by 200% in the last 10 years.

With Scotland Food & Drink looking to support a resilient industry in withstanding market disruptions and economic downturns, The Cumberland will reinforce this with its people-first approach and knowledgeable staff.

The building society has supported a range of businesses within the industry, including providing Scotland’s Monachyle Mhor – owned and operated by chef and hotelier, Tom Lewis – with more than £1.7 million investment to help grow the business. This included supporting Mhor Bread, the group’s artisan bread business based in Callander, to see it provide a new takeaway service.

Most recently, The Cumberland aided a family-owned business based in Cumbria, Garside Butchers, to relocate to its own premises with the owners having previously spent years renting.

As part of its commercial lending approach, The Cumberland provides services such as mortgages, current accounts, and business savings accounts to businesses operating in the Food & Drink sector including manufacturers, wholesalers, convenience stores and specialist retailers.

Scott McKerracher, head of commercial at The Cumberland, said: “We’re thrilled to join one of Scotland’s leading food and drink trade associations, which does so much to champion key industries within the country.

“At The Cumberland, our people-first approach means we take the time to understand the businesses we support, building relationships with them that last. As a result we’re able to support them with their financial needs, driven by a personal touch.

“While we have strong relationships with businesses in the food and hospitality sectors across Scotland, as a member of Scotland Food & Drink we look forward to working closely and sharing our expertise with more business owners to give them the confidence they need to thrive moving forward.”

Ian Baxter, Scotland Food & Drink chief executive, said: “We are here to nurture, support and champion the people and products of Scotland’s food and drink industry to help deliver continued and growing success which enhances Scotland’s global reputation.

“With The Cumberland joining us, we’re able to bring an organisation into our fold which will add another layer of support for businesses, providing them with expert knowledge and financial services to suit their needs.”