Continuing to develop its team of agricultural specialists, Virgin Money has appointed Dale Lawrenson as Relationship Manager. This appointment highlights the bank’s commitment to the agricultural sector during what are changing and uncertain times. In his new role at Virgin Money, Dale will be offering expert counsel to farmers across Lancashire, Merseyside and South Cumbria.
The need to offer greater diversity and delivery of financial products to the agricultural industry is now more important than ever. Virgin Money has demonstrated its commitment to the sector through the deployment of its highly experienced agricultural advisors, who provide proactive and localised guidance to farmers across the UK.
Growing up in rural Lancashire and involved with his parents’ farm, Dale has a first-hand understanding of the farming industry. Dale began his career in commercial banking, with a strong interest in the agri-business sector. He is a highly motivated chartered banker, with over 25 years’ experience in advising, helping expand and supporting Small and Medium Enterprises, including those businesses within the Agriculture sector. With a passion for business development, proven ability to build relationships and achieve challenging targets, all whilst providing exemplary customer service.
Commenting on his new appointment, Dale said: “I am delighted to be part of such a strong team of devoted and experienced agricultural specialists. I look forward to immersing myself within the agri sector across Lancashire and the neighbouring areas, looking at how I can best look after existing customers while also developing new relationships.
“There are many opportunities available to farmers and I aim to work with customers to help their businesses evolve, whether that be identifying opportunities to diversify, supporting them through times of considerable change, or even lowering their carbon footprint. With the challenges facing the sector, my aim is to help them achieve their ambitions and protect their enterprises for future generations.”
For Virgin Money, lending to the farming and wider food sector forms a significant part of its portfolio. The farming community requires specialist advice for its livelihood, and it is important to the bank that it provides the expertise required by the diverse range of agricultural businesses.
On announcing Dale’s appointment to the UK-wide team, Darren Owers Regional Head of Agriculture said: “Dale’s appointment is an exciting step forward for the team. His experience and understanding of both banking and agriculture will be a valuable asset to both our customers and to the team. The personal relationships already established within the farming community give Dale an excellent foundation to build on and means he has a solid understanding of what issues farmers are facing going forwards. This leaves him well placed to focus on innovative solutions that will support and protect farming business into the future.”
Working to navigate the sector’s upheavals will be a long-term endeavour, and with its national team of agricultural specialist managers, Virgin Money is positioning its expertise as the first port of call for farmers looking to future-proof their operations. Lending to the agriculture and wider food sector to facilitate innovation is a high priority area, and financial products will increasingly focus on environmental transition projects as the industry seeks to meet its Net Zero target by 2040.
