A high street bank has opened the doors to a new flagship branch
in Derby City Centre.
The new look Barclays branch was officially opened by Margaret
Beckett MP. However, customers could be forgiven for thinking
they've stepped into the future. The new branch on St Peters Street
is the latest to benefit from the bank's branch investment
programme which marries hi-technology with design concepts more
often seen in high street department stores and hotels.
"Technology is giving us a freedom, flexibility and choice that
enables us to revisit and improve on what a bank branch is," said
Steven Needham, Barclays Branch Manager for the St Peters Street
branch in Derby.
"This massive investment into the City has created a stylish,
efficient and technologically-advanced branch. The branch comes
complete with the latest TAU's (Teller Assisted Units), self
service kiosks and CCDM (Cheque and cash deposit machine) which
automatically counts, deposits and immediately credits the payment
to your account."
At the same time as the technology upgrade, the overall branch
design has been modernised. Staff and customers have been consulted
at length over the design for the new branches with the emphasis
placed on banking for everyone, making people feel more comfortable
in the branch, keeping queues to a minimum and opening when
customers want.
Customers were treated to a day of fun with entertainment from
Spikey Will and his bed of nails, dancing provided by the 'Barclays
Guards', free hot chocolate and toffee apples and the opportunity
to have their photograph taken with the Barclays Premier League
Trophy.
Commenting on the Margaret Beckett MP said: "I am always pleased
to see new investment in the city and companies reaffirming the
importance to them of such investment."
This branch is part of a UK wide programme of investment in
Barclays branches as part of the aim to be the best bank on the
high street. All of Barclays branches will be improved by the
investment programme, and already 700 branches have been
refurbished and enhanced since 2007.