Community bankers are people people
Banking hubs are there for everyone. The counter-service is open - typically from 9am to 5pm - for anyone wanting to access basic banking services. You can also speak to a community banker, from your bank, on the day they're in the hub. But who are they and what do they do? Here's a story in one of our lovely community banker's own words.
Well, what can I say about the beautiful Knaresborough Banking Hub? I spent many happy years working in the HSBC branch on the high street in Knaresborough, which closed many years ago. Since word has got around about the Hub opening, I’ve had a lot of contact from my old customers saying how thrilled they are to have us back.
Not a day goes by when I don’t hear phrases such as ‘How wonderful to have you’, ‘How lucky we are’ or ‘You are so needed’. One day I got speaking to a lovely couple just returned from living overseas for many years. They had no accounts and loved the idea of the Hub. I chatted to them about their finances and what HSBC could offer them. A referral was made to our local Premier Manager who helped them opened accounts. I have seen them several times since the Hub opened and continued to help them with their banking needs. They have been amazed at how easy everything has been for them and to have me in the Hub at the end of their road is brilliant for them.
I spoke with a gentleman the other day who isn’t too well and has mobility issues. He was telling me his visit to the Hub was the first time he had been out in months. This is due to his physical restrictions plus some personal issues he is having. It had been impossible for him to get to his nearest branch, so the Hub opening has been a godsend for him. I was able to listen to the customer and give him the time he needed, as well as giving him details of places he could go for help including HSBC as a Safe Space. Our presence in the Hub and its accessibility has made all the difference to this customer. He is now able to not only do his banking but be in environment where he feels safe.
Finally, I have spoken to a lovely gentleman who is 84 years young. He lives in Knaresborough and today is the first time he has been able to visit a branch in years. He was about to close his accounts with us having banked with us for over 80 years. But to now have the Banking Hub on his doorstep – well, he’s thrilled! He was so happy to be able to do his banking with “a real person”. He went on to tell me that he had his first bank account opened with Midland Bank at three-weeks-old. And it was Midland Bank that gave him his first loan to buy two smallholdings back in the 1950s. He has remained a loyal customer ever since. I feel very privileged to hear these lovely stories.
My colleagues and I who are based in our large main branches help customers like this daily. The Banking Hubs really are going back to grass roots banking and I am so proud to be a part of it. The Banking Hub is making a real difference. It really has become a lot of different things to a lot of different people, from simply a convenience to an absolute lifeline.