12 June 2008: Barclays Wealth makes senior appointment as growth continues in the Midlands

Barclays Wealth, the UK’s leading wealth manager, has confirmed its commitment to Birmingham as a key area for growth with the appointment of Graham Nicoll as Regional Centre Head.

Nicoll will have overall responsibility for the expanding and diverse number of Midlands-based clients, working with them to better protect, grow and enjoy their wealth.

Commenting on Barclays Wealth’s commitment to the region, Nicoll says:
“There is a growing demand for an integrated wealth management service in the West Midlands as it continues to thrive as a centre of business excellence, and as we see more wealth more generated through entrepreneurship. This means there are an increasing number of Barclays Wealth clients who require our private banking capabilities and our holistic approach to wealth management.”

Commenting on the growth of the business, Nicoll continues:
“The next year presents exciting new opportunities for us and our primary objective is to spend an increasing amount of face-to-face time advising our clients. Because of this, we have made 16 new hires in the last 18 months and more are expected this year to ensure we are better able to service a broad range of clients needs.”

He continues: “The quality of our people is exceptional. In Birmingham we can provide expert advice in all areas of wealth management and our experts offer a full lending suite, bespoke investment management, inheritance tax, pension and financial planning.”

Graham joined Barclays Wealth in February 2007, from Pti International, where he worked as a consultant assisting Entrepreneurs in exiting their businesses.

Andrew Houston, Barclays Wealth Regional Director, commented:
“Graham is an experienced individual who has spent a number of years advising the region’s wealthy clients. He is an enthusiastic and talented professional who is ideally placed to take our client centric business into its next phase of growth.”

Graham, a finalist in the Birmingham Young Professional of the Year 2008, was recently appointed as a Board Director with Birmingham Forward and is actively involved with various charitable organisations in the City including Thrive, St. Basils and the Birmingham Foundation. In addition, last year Graham co-headed the Birmingham Suit Amnesty which professional organisations across the city donate nearly 1,000 suits to individuals who are not able to buy their own.

To arrange an interview or for further media information:

Barclays Wealth
Nicola Hankey | 020 7114 9813 / 07775 548418 | nicola.hankey@barclayswealth.com
Jignasa Patel | 020 7116 9156 | jignasa.patel@barclayswealth.com

Cohn & Wolfe
James Pieslak | 020 7331 5309 / 07736 325 985 | barclayswealth@uk.cohnwolfe.com