30-SECOND CV

negotiations, it is vital that we prioritise clarity around the UK’S approach and maintain a sharp focus on getting the best possible deal. We have been working hard to detail what this looks like, and the (election) result does not change the core issues that need agreement.”

Despite the financial crash and its decade-long aftermath, it is undeniable that financial services is a linchpin of the UK economy. It accounts for 11 per cent of GDP, made a trade surplus of £72 billion in 2015, and employs 2.2 million people, with two-thirds of the sector outside London and the Square Mile, including powerhouses Celic cites such as Edinburgh, Glasgow and Manchester.

Thecityuk has about 200 member organisations, including close links with Scottish Financial Enterprise. Even allowing for Royal Bank of Scotland’s continuing travails, Celic says: “Financial services in Scotland is in a really strong place. It’s exciting, particularly with the fintech Glasgow and Edinburgh are attracting.”

He is also not panicking that a clutch of big-name financial services players have