Building for the future – the importance of collaboration to support regional growth

After a career that took her from Manchester to Geneva, Cincinnati and beyond, Claire Long could have easily continued pursuing opportunities overseas. Instead, she chose to return home to the North East, determined to play a role in the region’s evolution.

That search led Claire to Muckle, one of the North East's leading independent commercial law firms, whose ambitions within the region aligned with her own. As the team’s Finance Director, she can steer Muckle’s continued growth while remaining true to the values that first attracted her to the business.

At the time, the firm was already well established, with a strong reputation across the North East. When looking for its next finance leader, they made the bold decision to look beyond those with legal experience.

That approach has paid off. Since Claire joined, the firm has grown from a £12 million business into one generating more than £20 million in annual revenue, while expanding from a single Newcastle office into a three-site operation serving clients across the North East and Cumbria.

Supporting that growth has been a long-standing relationship with Bank of Scotland. Claire says having advisers who understand both the business and the wider landscape across the North East has become increasingly important as Muckle has grown.

Today, Claire works closely with Adam Cackett, Relationship Director at Bank of Scotland, and the wider team towards a shared vision for the region as they seek opportunities for growth.

Alongside driving the firm’s financial growth, Claire also champions initiatives that create opportunities for the next generation. This includes her involvement with Muckle’s apprenticeship programme, developed alongside Northumbria University and other law firms in the region. With a 100% success rate to date, the programme demonstrates what can be achieved when organisations invest in future talent.

She’s also taking action outside of Muckle. Earlier this year, Claire became Chair of Gentoo Group, having previously chaired its Risk and Audit Committee. For her, supporting housing, education and economic opportunity are all part of the same wider picture. Her focus on housing mirrors the bank’s commitment to creating stronger communities. 

Having started her career at a time when female representation in senior professional services roles was far less common, Claire has witnessed significant change throughout her career. At a recent panel she participated in on female finance leaders, she was struck less by the discussion itself, but the reaction afterwards.

It's a philosophy that has shaped Claire's career from global corporate leadership to regional business growth - and one that continues to guide her as she helps shape the future of both Muckle and the North East, with the bank’s support.

“Throughout our journey, Bank of Scotland has been so much more than a bank and it’s great to know that the team is equally as focused as we are on building a strong foundation for the region’s future.”

Adam added: “Claire and the team have built a business that combines commercial success with a genuine commitment to the community. That mirrors the ambition we consistently see across the region. In line with our priorities, we’re focused on supporting the North East’s long-term growth, whether that’s through finance for businesses, backing investment in key sectors or supporting housing and communities. Muckle is a great example of a firm with the local commitment and ambition that will help the region continue to thrive.”