Virgin Money Appoints New Agricultural Director for the North West

Virgin Money announces the appointment of Katherine Thomson as Director of Agriculture for the North West of England. Bringing over two decades of experience in banking and a deep personal connection to the farming community, Katherine will lead the bank's support for farming and agricultural businesses across Cumbria, Lancashire, and Cheshire.

Based near Longtown, Katherine is a smallholder with many years of experience working within the agri-sector including agricultural banking. Her expertise spans all sectors of farming, including dairy, beef, sheep, poultry and pigs, and she has helped facilitate investments ranging from projects such as robotic milking parlours to renewable energy initiatives.

Katherine understands the unique pressures facing farming enterprises from personal experience and brings a deep commitment to providing the financial services and solutions specific to the needs of a sector facing increasing complexity. This understanding will be instrumental in delivering tailored financial solutions and investment planning.

Having started her career in Carlisle working for a local finance business, Katherine went on to spend a total of 12 years with Lloyds Bank in Cumbria, the last six as Agricultural Business Manager responsible for a wide portfolio of agricultural business clients. She joins Virgin Money after four years as Commercial Relationship Manager for Cumberland Building Society.

Virgin Money's Head of Agriculture for England, Oliver Maxey, welcomed Katherine as a perfect fit for the bank's uniquely qualified team of client-facing Agricultural Directors, "Katherine has the ideal combination of in-depth regional and financial knowledge, hands-on farming experience, and a very close relationship with the agricultural business community in the geographical areas that she will be supporting.

"She understands both the traditions of family farms and the ambitions of the forward-thinking farmers who are building their businesses for a more technological and sustainable future.

"Virgin Money has a long track record of supporting farmers with investments and financial planning. With the industry facing significant change, Katherine will play a crucial role helping them grow and future-proof their businesses across the North West. I believe that in today's evolving farming landscape, this kind of support has never been more vital."

Through its national team of Agricultural Directors, each with a unique wealth of knowledge of the agri industry, Virgin Money currently provides around £1.5bn in funding and financial services to agricultural clients. As the bank transitions into its next phase as part of the Nationwide Building Society, Katherine will provide expert-led guidance across the North West.

Commenting Katherine said, "I am extremely proud to take on this role and continue supporting the agricultural sector, which has been at the heart of my career for over two decades.

"As one of the UK's leading agricultural banks, Virgin Money has a fantastic offering, and a strong commitment to farming and rural communities. I am eager to build on these foundations by strengthening relationships with existing customers and expanding our support to new clients across the region.

"The industry is constantly changing, so I will work alongside farmers as a trusted partner to help them navigate challenges and seize new opportunities."

With the recent acquisition by Nationwide Building Society, Virgin Money now gains the full support of the UK's biggest mutual society, reconfirming the bank's already profound commitment to the country's vital agricultural sector.