HSBC UK Colchester branch gets a facelift

The refurbishment will completely reformat the branch interior including full decoration and new furniture and, amongst other things, it will provide:

• Two upgraded counter positions;
• A full suite of self-service machines including cash, cheque deposit machines;
• Better-designed areas for customer service;
• A digital education zone;
• Advice on mortgages, wealth and investment;
• Servicing of business as well as retail accounts; and
• An area set aside for customer seminars, which could include talks on how to avoid becoming the victim of fraud.

Paul Houlding, HSBC UK’s Local Director for Colchester and Ipswich, said: “We are continuing to invest millions of pounds into our branch network to create a better banking experience for our customers. The changes that we are making to our Colchester branch will mean customers have a much more modern branch, with increased space in the banking hall, plus a digital education zone and an area for customer seminars where we can inform groups of customers on important issues, like helping to keep them safe from fraudsters, or maybe first time buyers looking for their first home.

“While we are investing in our branch network and in Colchester, the direction of travel for customer behaviour is quite clear - customers are becoming more comfortable primarily using online and mobile banking to take control of their finances, turning to other channels for very particular interactions. That could be to get face-to-face advice, when they have a complex financial issue, or they want to discuss how a major life event will affect their finances, whether that is an expected new addition to the family or a bereavement. Whichever their preference, we are there for them in Colchester.”

While the refurbishment is being carried out, customers are able to use the North Station Road branch for their day-to-day banking.

Paul Houlding added: “As previously announced, the North Station Road branch will be permanently closing on 4th June, with all accounts being transferred to the High Street branch. The Colchester High Street branch will re-open in time for when the North Station Road branch permanently closes. We look forward to being able to support our customers in a much more customer-friendly environment.”

Stripping out any impact of the pandemic, the number of customers using branches has fallen by a third in the last five years. Nine in ten (90%) of all customer contact with us is over the phone, internet or smartphone, in addition to talking to over 100k customers a week on social media.

Media enquiries to:

Steve Gracey , HSBC UK Media Relations – steve.gracey@hsbc.com | 020 7991 4118

Email: UKPressOffice@hsbc.co.uk