Vernon Building Society has completed a significant refurbishment of its Poynton branch, showing its dedication to maintaining a strong high street presence. The £150,000 project enhances customer service with a modern yet traditional environment.
- In recent years, the UK has witnessed the closure of approximately 6,000 branches, making this refurbishment notable.
- The Poynton branch now boasts traditional counter service and open-plan booths for personalised support.
- Two interview rooms have been added to ensure customer privacy during consultations.
- The refurbishment is part of a broader £1.2 million investment to upgrade Vernon’s branch network.
In a time when high street branches are disappearing across the UK, Vernon Building Society has completed a £150,000 refurbishment of its Poynton branch. This move cements its commitment to providing localised and accessible banking services. The updated branch now includes traditional counter services coupled with open-plan booths that allow for face-to-face interactions, blending modern demands with timeless customer service methods.
The refurbishment of the Poynton branch is timely, given the closure of around 6,000 UK branches since 2015. In contrast to this trend, Vernon Building Society is enhancing its physical presence. Two interview rooms have been introduced to ensure customer privacy and comfort while handling banking queries or mortgage discussions.
This initiative in Poynton is the fifth in a series of refurbishments across Vernon’s network, part of a £1.2 million commitment to branch enhancements. With local suppliers involved in the redesign, and work carried out by Monks Morton Design Interiors, Flexible Office, and Sharp, the project underscores the society’s investment in local communities. The Poynton branch’s modern look aligns with the society’s ambition to serve its members in more appealing environments.
Vernon Building Society’s CEO, Steve Fletcher, remarked on the importance of maintaining a high street presence in Poynton, especially as it is the only branch in the area. He emphasised the society’s years of service in Poynton, which helps build meaningful customer relationships. He noted that the new setup would enable expert services ranging from cheque deposits to mortgage advice, within a more welcoming space.
Looking ahead, Vernon plans to undertake the renovation of its final branch in Marple soon, aiming to conclude by early 2025. Furthermore, Fletcher outlined the society’s strategy to establish a presence in every Greater Manchester borough within five years, potentially through community-based hubs.
Vernon Building Society’s investment in branch refurbishments highlights its commitment to maintaining a strong presence on the high street.
