Clydesdale Bank has announced the appointment of Brian Richardson as UK-wide head of agriculture.

Mr Richardson took on the role over the weekend, leaving his position as chief executive at H&H Group in Carlisle, the bank’s owners CYBG confirmed.

He has spent his career in the agri-business sector and now moves from the industry into the financial side.

Mr Richardson said: “It’s a big commitment from CYBG to invest in this role and shows the long-term view it takes and importance it places on this sector. The bank already has a highly knowledgeable dedicated team of agricultural bankers and I want to use my skills to support them as they support farmers and the wider rural community.

“It’s an interesting time to be joining a bank – major changes in agriculture and the wider food and drink sector will happen as a result of Brexit and, for the first time in more than 40 years, the UK Government will be setting its own policy for agriculture. CYBG is already in a strong position to support farmers through those changes and making sure they have a positive and prosperous future. I am look forward to building on the bank’s commitment to the centre and using my knowledge of agri-business to reinforce that strength and commitment in the sector.”

Graeme Sands, head of business banking at CYBG, added: “Brian is a well-respected member of the business community and we are thrilled he will be joining the bank, heading up our UK-wide Agriculture sector team and this appointment is indicative of the way we approach sector based banking.

“The industry is going through a number of changes and we pride ourselves on the high standard of support and guidance we can give our customers to navigate these challenges and take advantage of opportunities. Brian brings additional insight to the role and a differing perspective - his experience and expertise in this industry is going to be invaluable in shaping how we evolve our support for farming and rural customers.”