Pictured: Jim Cunningham MP with Barclays staff
A high street bank has opened the doors to a new flagship branch
in Coventry City Centre.
The new look Barclays branch was officially opened today by Jim
Cunningham MP. However, customers could be forgiven for thinking
they've stepped into the future. The branch on High 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
Theresa Miller, Barclays Branch Manager for the High Street branch
in Coventry.
"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 a
choir, the famous ticket office booth, dancing provided by the
'Barclays Guards' and the opportunity to have their photograph
taken with the Barclays Premier League Trophy. Customers were also
treated to some giveaways including shortbread, bags and
balloons.
Commenting on the opening Jim Cunningham MP said: "I welcome the
opening of this branch in the city centre. I am pleased that
customers will be able to enjoy such a high quality service at such
a convenient location. Ultimately, the standard of local branches
plays a vital role in how people perceive the company and I hope
more will follow suit in providing these top of the range
services".
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 850 branches have been
refurbished and enhanced since 2007.