Bank of Scotland has appointed a new area director of its manufacturing division as it continues to invest in this sector, as well as a new area director covering Aberdeen and the north east.
Craig Pollock has been named Area Director, Manufacturing after a career spanning almost 20 years with Bank of Scotland.
Most recently Craig was Area Director, SME Scotland working 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 Craig will support the growth of the Scottish manufacturing sector by providing tailored finance and guidance that matches the industry’s needs.
Craig 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.”
Clare Richardson has also been appointed as Area Director, Aberdeen and NE Scotland, SME banking.
In her new Aberdeen-based role Clare is responsible for leading a team of Relationship Directors and Managers serving existing and potential small and medium sized business customers across the region.
Clare has 20 years’ experience supporting and managing businesses of varying sizes across a range of sectors. Latterly she was a Business Development Director for the North of Scotland in Bank of Scotland’s Mid Markets team.
Clare has specialisms in debt, equity and commodities and additional experience in the property and charitable sectors.
She 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.
“SMEs make up the vast majority of Scottish businesses, and I am excited to be joining my new team as we work together to help Britain prosper.”
An ambitious double appointment of experienced Corporate Sales Managers to our existing Business Development Team is hoped to drive further revenue growth at one of Edinburgh’s most historic venues.
With a combined total of 24 years’ experience in the hospitality industry, Katie Heigh and Elizabeth Squair, join the commercial arm of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd).
In their new roles, Katie and Elizabeth have been tasked with securing new sales opportunities, as well as ensuring sustained corporate demand across RCSEd’s four iconic buildings, as well as the successful Ten Hill Place Hotel, Café 1505, No.10 Restaurant and 10 Wine Bar.
Joining from her previous post as Sales and Marketing Manager at G1 Group, Katie was responsible for creating sales and marketing plans for The Murrayfield House Hotel and Inn on the Mile.
Bringing her wealth of knowledge of the Scottish capital, the hospitality industry and contacts, Katie is looking forward to growing in the team and adding to the work of the charitable organisation.
Katie, who has 15 years experience in the industry, said: “It is a really exciting time to join RCSEd Commercial Enterprises, the company has transformed since its launch little over ten years ago and will provide so many opportunities for me to expand my knowledge and abilities.
“Knowing that the profit generated at my new workplace goes back into training surgeons and advancing the important work of the college is amazing, the future is thrilling and I hope to play a part in helping the business grow in size and strength.”
Recruited from her post as Business Development Executive at the Edinburgh Corn Exchange, Elizabeth, who is originally from Zimbabwe, has key skills across the hospitality and events market and will be putting them to use in her new role.
Elizabeth, said: “The team here are lovely and so supportive, the company is really interesting and I can’t wait to get stuck right in. There is so much growth and development happening right now.
“With my background mainly focusing on events management I’m excited to put it to use and help the company grow and be able to invest even more back into its charitable aims.”
Scott Mitchell, Commercial Director at Surgeon’s Hall, said: “Both Katie and Elizabeth have a wealth of experience working in the industry and bring a diverse and valuable sets of skills to our growing teams. They are an ideal fit and we are delighted to have them working with us.
“Not only do we have our own busy hotel, but demand for our venues through all manner of events is continuing to grow – and in recruiting these two big names we hope to see that growth continue.”
The College is best known for its magnificent Playfair Building, dating back to 1832. Other venues include the King Khalid Building, formerly St Michael’s Church, which has been transformed into an outstanding 158-seated auditorium.
The stunning Prince Phillip building opened in 2015 following the transformation of a former Edinburgh University language school and the modern Quincentenary Conference Centre was created in 2005 to celebrate the institution’s 500th anniversary.
Launched in 2006, the Commercial Enterprises team promotes, sells and manages conferences, corporate events, weddings and other events across the College’s buildings.
It has also helped establish the College as a Festival-Fringe venue and last August hosted seven theatres frequented by 75,000 customers, while also delivering significant food and beverage sales through its partnership with Edinburgh based Heritage Portfolio.
The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh is one of the world’s oldest medical institutions founded in 1505 after receiving a Royal Seal of Cause from King James IV. All proceeds made by Commercial Enterprises support the charitable aims of the College which are education, assessment and advancement in surgery.
Team strengthened to meet demand
Edinburgh property investment and lettings specialist Cullen Property has made three new appointments following significant growth in the number of properties being managed. The last nine months has seen an increase of £1m+ in the overall rental income of its managed portfolio.
Steve Coyle, Cullen Property’s Operations Director, said: “We have strengthened our team as we have increased the number of properties we manage on behalf of clients. We’re seeing more landlords looking to regulated companies like ours, which offer a professional property investment and management service which can take care of all aspects of their properties – from sourcing, buying and refurbishing, through to marketing, letting and full management thereafter.
“We are delighted to welcome three new members of staff. They have hit the ground running and are already proving an asset to our team.”
Sally Easton has joined the Property Managers team, John Martin is their new Support Administrator, and Mark Hall has begun a Property Administrator Modern Apprenticeship with the company.
Sally completed her ARLA qualification in 2011 and brings with her seven years of Edinburgh property management experience.
John recently graduated from Edinburgh Napier University with a MSc in Property Management and Investment having previously studied Financial Services and Economics. Prior to joining Cullen Property, John was employed in an administration role for a sports surfacing company and managed numerous projects both in the UK and overseas.
Left to right are John Martin, Mark Hall and Sally Easton
