The agreement involves the provision of credit facilities to the group, operating accounts for both the group and its clients, case by case specialist services and funding for portfolio companies.

The partnership replaces that which the group enjoyed with HBoS before it became part of Lloyds Banking Group.

Braveheart CEO Geoffrey Thomson said that given the increasingly international focus Braveheart felt it was important to work with a bank that offered clear expertise overseas as well as a strong footprint here in the UK.

"HSBC is developing its SME business in Scotland, where Braveheart has its headquarters, and understands how important the private company growth market is to the UK as a whole," Thomson said.

HSBC Scotland CEO John Rendall said that the bank is delighted to welcome Braveheart Investment Group as a new client and provide them and their associated companies with the finance package and relationship-based banking approach to support their business growth.