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Bank of Scotland Names Mid Market Export Champion

Posted: 30th October 2015

Bank of Scotland’s new Head of Trade and Working Capital in Scotland Colin Walls says he is determined to help more Scottish mid market firms succeed in valuable export markets.

Colin, who began his banking career more than 30 years ago, will manage a team of working capital specialists across Scotland, supporting mid market businesses with turnovers between £25m and £750m.

He said a particular priority is to keep building awareness of Bank of Scotland’s strong capability in backing the global trading needs of mid market firms, working closely with customers to fully understand their working capital cycles, whether in domestic or global trade.

Colin said: “I’m extremely excited about my new role at the Bank of Scotland and I am particularly looking forward to working with the team to help our mid market customers enter new markets.

“Scottish firms are seeing fantastic growth opportunities around the world, especially in sectors like food & drink, and we are committed to working alongside them at this important time.

“That means backing our customers who are already exporting and importing to develop their overseas trade further, but also helping those firms which are considering expanding overseas to explore those opportunities and manage the risks including cash management and payments.

“Another key focus for my team and I is to develop the growing base of Bank of Scotland customers by helping them explore their working capital cycles. This not only ensures we gain a deeper understanding of our customers’ business but means that together we can boost their efficiency while mitigating against key risks.”

Colin, who lives in Edinburgh with his wife and 16-year-old daughter, was previously Regional Director, Trade at Bank of Scotland, a role he held since 2013.

He joined Bank of Scotland from Barclays Bank in Scotland and Ireland, where he managed the asset based lending division.

His banking career began in 1984 at RBS, where he held roles including investment fund management on the Isle of Man.

He took a two year break from banking in the early 1990s to pursue agricultural work in Australia, before returning to manage a number of business units across the UK within the asset based lending division of RBS.

Commenting on Colin’s appointment, Kash Ahmad, Managing Director for Global Transaction Banking (Mid Markets) said: “Colin has more than three decades banking experience and has worked to support the ambitions of home grown businesses both at home and overseas.

“This is a particularly exciting time for Scottish mid market firms and I am sure that, with Colin’s considerable knowledge and expertise, Bank of Scotland will support even more Scottish businesses efficiently manage their working capital cycles as well as realising their export ambitions.”

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