Virgin Money increases hand in Ayrshire’s farming sector
Finance giant Virgin Money is to increase its move into the farming sector with the appointment of a new Agri Customer Relationship Manager for Ayrshire and the South West.
Stephen Mackie, who has worked in various roles within Virgin Money and previously Clydesdale Bank for over 35 years, will support clients as the industry undergoes a period of significant change.
It comes as the bank looks to drive forward their rural support and agricultural financing strategy with specialist guidance to farmers across the UK.
Originally from Ayr, Stephen has built up a wealth of in-depth expertise and understanding having worked in the industry for more than three decades.
He first joined Clydesdale Bank’s Cumnock office in 1986.
Following a move back to Ayr, he went from being a Business Manager’s Assistant to working as one of the region’s Small Business Managers very successfully for several years.
In 2012, Stephen joined the Small Business team in Glasgow heading up the specialist Agricultural Team in Glasgow where he managed 16 Relationship Managers, responsible for the whole of the UK.
In taking up his new position, he said: “This position gives me the opportunity to continue my passion for agriculture and to meet and work with the talented farming community across Ayrshire and North Dumfriesshire.
“From a wider farming perspective, these are uncertain times.
“Brexit and the acceleration of the green agenda are changing the way the industry operates at large, and as a result the type of support customers are requiring.
“As a company we have to adapt our strategy and engage with clients on a local level, to provide them with the support to help their businesses grow and evolve.
“I will use my knowledge of the farming industry to help customers explore how they can improve their enterprise’s efficiencies, or any development plans they may have for the future.
“This is a key sector: without our farmers, we would not eat.
“The financial guidance offered by Virgin Money includes the assessment of any new government legislation or changes to environmental schemes that will affect agricultural clients.
“In doing so, we can identify potential opportunities to access support and in turn help increase the business margins for customers over the long run.”
Brian Richardson, UK Head of Agriculture at Virgin Money, added: “Stephen’s financial and agricultural experience will be a hugely valuable asset to both our clients and to us, and we are really excited to have him join the team in the South West of Scotland. Stephen has a clear empathy with the sector.
“His fresh outlook means he will not only understand the issues farmers are facing, but importantly he will be motivated to do what he can to support them; creating innovative solutions to keep farming businesses agile and equipped to continue thriving into the next decade.”