Susan McKane takes over role after 23-year career with Danske Bank

She will work across Northern Ireland engaging with the Bank’s partners and helping to raise awareness of finance options for local smaller businesses.

Susan, who joins from Danske Bank where she spent 23 years, takes over from Susan Nightingale who was appointed UK Network director for Devolved Nations earlier this year.

Susan McKane’s most recent position with Danske had been to manage the bank’s suite of business products. Her previous roles included mobilising the government loan schemes for customers during the pandemic and supporting early-stage technology business during her time in Danske’s fintech hub.

She was also chairperson of Danske Bank employees’ charity group, a member of Catalyst’s frameworks steering team and currently sits on the board of a social enterprise.

Representing the British Business Bank in NI, Susan will work closely with funding delivery partners, business development agencies and other organisations across the small business finance ecosystem to improve access to financial support.

As part of the UK Network team, Susan’s remit also includes working with local finance markets to shape the British Business Bank’s support for smaller businesses and inform government policy.

Susan Nightingale, said: “Susan is highly respected across NI’s financial ecosystem and has extensive experience working in the banking sector here.

“She is passionate about supporting entrepreneurs and helping smaller businesses grow and develop. Susan will be a great addition to the UK Network team, bringing a wealth of knowledge and first-hand experience of NI’s business landscape.”

Susan McKane explained: “I am delighted to join the British Business Bank and to be helping smaller businesses access the finance they need to start up and scale up.

“Access to finance is critical to economic recovery especially as smaller businesses face into external challenges including rising inflation, labour shortages and the lasting effects of the global pandemic.

“I’m looking forward to working closely with NI’s small business community, by providing them with access to independent and impartial information on the different types of finance available and reducing some of the imbalances that exist in access to finance across the UK.”

The British Business Bank has an important role to play in helping smaller businesses to grow and prosper – particularly in NI where 89% are classed as micro-businesses (less than 10 employees) by the Department for the Economy.