Transformation brings high-tech branches

WHILE small towns are losing branches at an alarming rate, modern alternatives are opening up in central locations.

NatWest opened its first digital bank branch in Liverpool city centre last month where staff are ‘TechXperts’.

Lloyds Bank recently opened a ‘new generation’ branch in Manchester with a digital zone for people new to online banking.

Metro Bank opened a drive-through branch in Luton last month as an add-on to its core branch offering. This choice appealed to selfemployed Hassan Qureshi who opened a business account with Metro Bank in Southall two years ago. Hassan, 32, says: ‘I’ve used the drive-through to pay money in and I use the mobile app when I am on the go, but I still like to walk in store and speak to someone.’