CRAIG PATERSON

A natural fit for business development

“I’ve always enjoyed working with people. I’m naturally curious, and I like understanding how things work. Business development gives me the perfect outlet for that. There was a real lightbulb moment early on in my career when I was at ACCA in Glasgow. I worked closely with global teams at PwC and had the chance to join senior BD meetings in places like London and Bristol. Watching how relationships were built, how questions were asked, and how opportunities were created, it just clicked. I knew that’s what I wanted to do.

That decision led me to London to start my BD career properly. It was a big step, but looking back now I know it was absolutely the right one.”

A broad commercial lens

“My career has taken me across business development roles working with large corporates, SMEs, and mid-market businesses. That range helps me to understand the different pressures organisations face at each stage of their growth.

I’ve also worked across both banking and professional services, which has given me a strong commercial mindset. I understand how decisions are made, what challenges businesses face, and how to turn those into practical, workable solutions.”

Stepping outside my comfort zone

“One of the biggest challenges in my career has been moving between industries, first into banking, and then back into professional services. When I joined Lloyds, everything was new. The products, the language, the environment. I came in as a senior hire but felt like I was starting from scratch. It pushed me right out of my comfort zone.

What got me through was going back to the basics. Stay structured. Stay curious. Bring energy, and when you don’t have an answer ask for help, you aren’t always expected to have all the answers. I asked questions, learned quickly, and built my confidence back up. It’s a mindset I’ve carried with me ever since.”

Stay curious, stay connected

“If I had to sum up my approach, it would be simple: stay curious, stay connected, and keep moving forward.

That mindset underpins everything I do, from building relationships to driving new opportunities.”

Making a real difference

“For me, strong relationships start with finding common ground. I take a genuine interest in people, what they do, what matters to them, what makes them tick. When you connect on that level, conversations become easier, trust builds faster, and relationships feel real rather than transactional. That’s always been my approach.

The most rewarding part of my role is seeing the impact we can have. When you build a strong relationship, understand what matters, and help a business move forward, it’s a great feeling. Being trusted and knowing you’ve added real value is what it’s all about.”

One team, one goal

“One thing I really value is working as part of a team that’s pulling in the same direction.

When everyone supports each other and shares the same goals, it creates real momentum. That energy makes a huge difference, not just internally, but in what we deliver for clients.”

Looking to what lies ahead

“I’m particularly interested in how AI can support smarter business development, from better targeting to stronger insights and more effective relationship management.

At the same time, I’m focused on deepening my understanding of AAB’s full offering. The better I understand what we do, the better I can connect clients to the right solutions and drive meaningful growth.”