Working in partnership with our communities

We work closely with community representatives from the moment a hub is announced to the day it opens its doors and beyond. These deep community relationships help us to better understand the communities we serve and what individuals and businesses need from us.

These local champions play an invaluable role in bringing banking hubs to communities.

Acton community partner – Maire Lowe  

Acton Banking Hub opened in June 2023 and is one of our busiest Hubs, serving over 180 customers every day.

Maire Lowe, who has lived in Acton for almost 40 years, has played a significant part in helping us to understand this vibrant town and reach all the community.

Maire was an enthusiastic supporter of Banking Hubs from the start saying: “Acton is a thriving town with a real village feel. We so wanted to have really useful services that would allow people to transact their business without having to schlep elsewhere. You've done it and we appreciate you.”

Maire has generously given her time to help promote the Hub. From engaging with community groups and sharing honest feedback to help us improve services, she has provided a valuable voice for her community. Even talking to the press about what bringing a banking hub Acton really means to people locally.

Maire, like so many of our community partners, was motivated to get involved purely by a desire to help others:

“I felt protective of people who have difficulty managing online banking, and wanted a place where they could attend personally and get help with their private business. Banking Hubs do just that.”

Read more about the vital role people and communities play in providing access to cash and basic banking services in our 2023 annual report.