Harman boosts HSBC in North–east

Veteran banker David Harman is hoping for more than just a quick deal or two in his new role with HSBC in Aberdeen.

He said: “My priorities will be to establish contact with key businesses and professionals in the north of Scotland who are interested in developing long-term relationships with their banking partner.”

With more than 30 years experience at HSBC, Harman has worked in corporate banking, receivables finance, commercial and retail banking.

HSBC is expanding in the Granite City with an investment of £3.5 million to open a new branch and upgraded commercial facility, and Harman will play a business development role.

He will be responsible for increasing HSBC’s profile in the business community and attracting businesses with turnovers exceeding £5m.

Key roles for trio

Metis Partners, the Glasgow-based intellectual property specialist, has made a string of appointments as it seeks to grow its international business. At home, the firm has appointed three graduates from Scottish universities.

University of Strathclyde graduate Daniel Kieran joins as a business development executive, while Linda Shannon will take the role of business analyst. She graduated from St Andrews University with a degree in international relations and modern history and also has a diploma in law.

Sebastian Harrison also joins Metis as a business analyst. The Glasgow legal practice graduate also has a law degree from Edinburgh and another degree, in journalism.

The firm has also appointed Paul Kallmes as an associate in the US, following Metis founder Stephen Robertson’s recent mission to secure business in America. West coast-based Kallmes has experience in IP management across a wide range of sectors and has worked with organisations including consulting firms, high-tech R&D labs and IP marketplace start-ups.