Barclays has announced key appointments across its Aberdeen, Inverness, Edinburgh and Glasgow Business Banking teams as the bank continues to extend its on-the-ground support across the regions for Scottish SMEs and scale-up businesses.

Hunter Inkster has joined the bank as a Relationship Director for the North of Scotland, based in Aberdeen, following a period of sustained growth and business activity in the area. With good knowledge of the North of Scotland including Shetland & Orkney from previous roles in the area, he will be responsible for managing and growing a portfolio of high-growth SME companies with up to £6.5m turnover to help deliver the bank’s ambitious growth strategy in the North East.

Hunter joins Barclays from corporate finance advisor Rickitt Mitchell & Partners having previously held roles with Lloyds Banking Group.

Barclays has also appointed David Loughlin as a dedicated SME Relationship Manager for the Inverness area who will support businesses and help to drive Barclays’ business in the Highlands. His new position comes after seven years’ experience in the bank’s Edinburgh office supporting businesses in the local community.

The bank has also made three further Relationship Manager appointments. In the Glasgow team, Tom Every will look after SMEs from £1m-£5m turnover, and Michael Barclay will oversee SME’s up to £1m turnover. Daniel Farquhar will be responsible for SMEs up to £1m in the Edinburgh office.

The team will report into Stuart Brown, Head of SME who is leading the bank’s drive to expand its SME and high-growth business market share in Scotland.

Stuart Brown, Head of SME Scotland, Barclays commented: “Following a successful period for business in Scotland, the time was right to expand our team on the ground and specifically in these regions, as more businesses are choosing to bank with Barclays.

“The expansion of our Aberdeen team with its first dedicated SME Relationship Director is a result of this growth and also demonstrates our commitment to support businesses in the North East. Hunter brings a wealth of experience while our Relationship Managers are passionate about ensuring our clients receive the best service.

“Following the launch of our £500m SME fund last year, we’re committed to delivering the right financial support for Scotland’s business community. The skills and experience of our new appointments will allow us to further strengthen our relationships regionally with existing and new customers.”

Barclays’ Scottish SME fund was launched in June 2016 to provide access to funding for businesses across all sectors with turnover up to £25m. It forms part of a wider commitment by Barclays to support fast-growing companies with its High Growth & Entrepreneurs programme. The programme offers locally delivered financial advice, business skills development, networking opportunities at a local, national and international level and access to Eagle Labs and RISE accelerators. The Bank also provides a unique Innovation Finance Venture Debt product via an additional £200m fund.