‘Revolutionary’ high street bank is planning a move to York

It describes itself as a revolution in banking, and it is actively looking to move to York.

Metro Bank, which combines face-to-face banking with state-of-the-art technology, is hunting for a home in the city centre.

It will be one of the first in the North of England, after branches open in Manchester and Liverpool later this year.

A spokeswoman for Metro Bank told YorkMix that they were actively looking for sites in York, adding: “As the revolution in British banking, we’re always looking at various potential sites for new stores.”

‘Very welcome news’

At a time when many high street banks are closing branches and cutting staff, Metro is setting itself apart.

Customers can visit branches seven days a week, with no appointment needed, and open a personal or business account on-the-spot, leaving with their debit card in hand.

Branches also have a local business manager ready to help people grow their companies.

Business leaders welcomed the news that it was looking to move into York.

Andrew Lowson, executive director of the York BID (Business Improvement District) said:

• To hear that a bank is interested in opening a branch in York is very welcome, especially in the context that many high streets in the UK are seeing bank branches close down.

  Metro Bank has a reputation for creating high quality buildings, opening seven days a week 8am- 8pm and they have a philosophy of fostering a sense of community.

  This is the type of business the high street needs in the current climate and we look forward to hearing more about their forward plans.
  

Phil Pinder, chair of York Retail Forum, said: “It’s great to hear Metro Bank are actively looking for sites in York, I am sure their modern take on personal and business banking will prove very popular with residents in York.

“It has been said high streets will see banks leave. It looks like York is bucking this trend with another new bank branch opening soon.”