THE region’s largest building society has announced it is to open a new full service and financial advice branch in Barnard Castle as part of a multi-million pound branch investment programme.
Newcastle Building Society will be based in the centre of the town, with officials saying the company will deliver a modern and welcoming environment, providing customers with better access to services, information, advice and private meeting spaces.
Stuart Miller, customer director, said: “It’s fantastic news for Barnard Castle and the society as a whole.
“While many financial institutions are closing branches across the region, we see our branches as being central to our strategy of supporting local people, the region’s high streets and the local communities in which we operate.
“We’re giving our customers access to more facilities at a time when a number of banks have left Barnard Castle with limited options.”
The new branch will employ six full and part-time customer service representatives and the society is asking residents to get in touch if they are interested in one of the roles.
In recent years, Newcastle Building Society has delivered its services through a partnership with local accountancy practice, Allen Sykes Chartered Accountants.
Mr Miller added: “We are grateful to the partners Allen Sykes Chartered Accountants who have delivered an outstanding service to our customers in recent years.
“It is down to the success of the arrangement that we are now able to open a full service branch in the town.”
The society is currently in the middle of its multi-million pound branch investment programme during which it has committed to refurbishing or relocating every one of its branches by the end of 2019.
Mr Miller said: “It’s a positive move for Newcastle Building Society and for the people of Barnard Castle and its surroundings.
“Our new Barnard Castle branch will mean we can help more customers with additional services, improved facilities and extra space,” he added.
