Barclays plans to launch a string of “banking pods” after not too long ago saying extra department closures.
The financial institution mentioned it can broaden its “versatile banking codecs” in response to altering buyer wants.
The plans embrace the launch of latest banking pods, which will likely be purpose-built, semi-permanent buildings in areas equivalent to buying centres and retail parks.
The pods will present a devoted, personal area and will be moved relying on demand, the financial institution mentioned.
At the least 10 will likely be rolled out throughout the UK by summer time 2023 following the success of the financial institution’s first pod in St Austell, Cornwall, Barclays mentioned.
The financial institution has not but revealed the areas for the pods, however it’s understood they are going to be unfold out, probably popping up quickly in areas equivalent to London, the Midlands and the North East.
The pods are a part of the Barclays Native initiative.
Underneath the scheme, which Barclays is increasing, the financial institution works with native councils and communities to rearrange a presence in locations equivalent to city halls and libraries.
Barclays added that six electrical automobile (EV) banking vans will likely be added to an present fleet of 10, additional enabling it to succeed in prospects in distant areas.
It is going to additionally develop its “cashback with out buy” service, which has created new areas for individuals to withdraw money, freed from cost, by way of 1000’s of small companies.
The financial institution mentioned it can proceed to assessment its bodily websites, together with branches, pods and pop-up providers.
Our new banking pods and group pop-ups assist us to tailor our in-person help for every location
Jo Mayer, Barclays UK
On Saturday, Barclays revealed will probably be shutting 15 branches, with NatWest and Lloyds Banking Group additionally not too long ago saying department closures.
Jo Mayer, head of on a regular basis banking at Barclays UK, mentioned: “Barclays Native supplies a versatile option to attain prospects in new areas and retain a presence the place buyer footfall has lowered, bringing face-to-face help to handy areas.
“As visits to branches proceed to fall, we have to reimagine the place and the way we present as much as present the very best service for purchasers now and sooner or later.
“Our new banking pods and group pop-ups assist us to tailor our in-person help for every location, together with help with digital abilities.
“In areas the place we shut a department, we’ll keep our presence in that group, providing an alternate face-to-face resolution.”
Barclays can also be a part of trade efforts to extend the quantity of banking hubs, the place completely different banks function out of shared areas.