Ms Nightingale has been with the bank since January 2020 following a career spanning both public and private sector in Northern Ireland, with SME debt and equity funding experience gained from roles within Invest NI Corporate Finance and Ulster Bank Commercial Banking. Susan takes over the role from Mark Sterritt who has moved to the Bank’s UK Regional Funds team.

As head of the devolved nations, Ms Nightingale will work closely with senior manager for Scotland, Barry McCulloch, who was appointed to the Bank earlier this year. As the former head of policy at the Federation of Small Business, Mr McCulloch is well known among Scotland’s business community and supports funding delivery partners, business development agencies and other organisations across the small business finance ecosystem to improve access to financial support.

Susan Nightingale said: “It is a great privilege to represent the Bank and lead on our activity across the devolved nations, working closely with stakeholders across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

“The Bank’s aim is to drive sustainable growth and prosperity, and to enable the transition to a net zero economy by supporting access to finance for smaller businesses. I am looking forward to working closely with stakeholders across Scotland to help smaller businesses access the finance they need to succeed.”

Mark Sterritt, director, commented: “Susan is already highly respected across Northern Ireland’s financial ecosystem and works tirelessly to support smaller business owners gain access to finance to develop and grow.

“Having worked with Susan for some time, I have no doubt she will replicate that success in Scotland and continue to drive the Bank’s operations.”