The British banking revolution begins today with the launch of Metro Bank on 29 July 2010

Today heralds a landmark in British banking history as the UK’s first High Street bank for over 100 years is opened. Metro Bank opened its doors to retail and business customers on Thursday 29 July at 8am and Lansons is proud to have been involved in this ground breaking launch campaign.

Changing the face of British banking

Lansons has been working closely alongside the Metro Bank management team over the last 18 months, devising and co-ordinating the PR launch strategy and handling the pre-launch and launch activities. The actual launch spans corporate, personal finance and consumer communications. The Metro Bank launch comes at a time when trust in banks is at an all time low following the nationalisation of two High Street banks and bankers bonuses continue to dominate the news. Scrutiny around the creation of a new bank has never been greater, but Metro Bank is bucking the trend by investing in a network of stores (when other banks are closing them), by opening twice as long as other banks, by offering greater customer service and convenience – in short aiming to change the face of British banking.

Metro Bank will adopt a retail store model offering unparalleled service and convenience – a sharp contrast to the conventional UK bank branch operation. Open seven days a week from early to late, Metro Bank, like the great retailers, will put the customer at the heart of its proposition.

Metro Bank will first open with stores in London; One Southampton Row, Holborn followed by Cromwell Road, Earls Court a month later. A further 10 stores are planned in Greater London over the next two years as part of a 200+ store expansion plan. Metro Bank will serve the banking needs of the retail and business communities. Metro Bank Business Banking will offer personalised business banking services including credit and cash management with local managers making local loans.

Craig Donaldson, Chief Executive Officer at Metro Bank, said: “Metro Bank will stand out from other High Street banks by providing unparalleled service, convenience, and value for money. We know that UK banking customers are looking for a new, convenient way of banking with easy to understand products and that’s what we will offer. We will deliver a service that exceeds expectations with the customer at the heart of everything we do.

“People’s lives have changed, great retailers have moved with them and banking should reflect that, so Metro Bank will be where customers work, where they live and where they shop at weekends. We know that customers want the ability to bank when they want, where they want and how they want – in store, on the phone or online. Metro Bank is going to change the face of UK banking for good, starting today.”

Anthony Thomson, Chairman at Metro Bank, said: “Metro Bank will offer customers a great retail experience, and we want to make banking fun for everyone. We believe customers simply want a better experience from their bank, the kind they typically get from a great retailer and that’s what we intend to give them. The British public deserves a better banking experience.”

Metro Bank’s customer proposition

Breaking the mould for British banking, Metro Bank offers a new experience for their customers.

Click here to view Metro Bank’s customer and service proposition