Discussion
Doofus said:
I did, until around 18 months ago. Generally good; great service. They aren't what I'd call a 'full-service' bank though. For instance, they use HSBC for card merchanting.
For straightforward banking, I'd say yes. If you have a personal relationahip with them, then so much the better (as long as you don't mind having both under one roof). If your needs are complex, I'd suggest having a look around first, and scoping out your specific requirements.
Their online banking is pretty good, once you've got through the interminable log-in process.
Thanks for that - how come you left them if you don't mind me asking?For straightforward banking, I'd say yes. If you have a personal relationahip with them, then so much the better (as long as you don't mind having both under one roof). If your needs are complex, I'd suggest having a look around first, and scoping out your specific requirements.
Their online banking is pretty good, once you've got through the interminable log-in process.
I have a contact who has quite a good relationship with them, they set up quite a useful borrowing facility for btl property for example which is something i imagine the high street banks could not do.
Is there anywhere else i should be looking? Main priorities are good personal service, common sense on decisions etc. preferred, no call centres etc.
Metro would be good but no branches locally.
Doofus said:
For instance, they use HSBC for card merchanting somethgin or other, but I'm buggered if I can remember what. It was a pain in the arse to set up though, whatever it was..
Already have a 3rd party merchant account, so just need straightforward account for accepting transfers etc. The fact that they make decisions locally massively appeals. Does anyone else know more about how this works? So it's like an old school bank you can see the manager and put your case to them for lending etc?
Edited by trowelhead on Tuesday 18th October 15:03
NordicCrankShaft said:
I'm currently using them for my personal bank account in Norway. I've had very good service from them so far, I got introduced by my father in law who has used them for his business for fun ding on 5 cabins so they love him as he's making them quite a bit of cash, the sertvice from them is very personal.
Super, thanks for that! I do some property development on the side so this is interesting to me.When you say cabins, are those like holiday lets?
RammyMP said:
Where are you based? Mate of mine works in the Oldham branch, but their offices are territorial, he'll only cover from the M60 to the east, not Manchester.
Cheers, south Manchester, Wilmslow is the closest to me - i don't suppose anyone has contacts there?Had an email back from someone, looking for some more info with a view to setting up a meeting. So far so good!
bucksmanuk said:
Wonderful bank- I have a personal account with them- it’s great, you get to talk to real adults and stuff- people who actually know who you are.
I was invited to Christmas nibbles and drinkies last year where they all said hello to me.
Every time I call in, it’s a brew and some “how’s life?” chit chat.
Abroad at short notice?
Just ring them up with the limit you want on your card spend, and when you are coming back, all sorted, no online guff, no paperwork.
I think the Aylesbury branch has 70 clients, yes seventy! Although I hear some of these are a lot more loaded than me (that’s not difficult though).
I can use their car park in town FOC.
Anything they consider unusual on my account, immediate phone call.
Downside
Its £15/month.
Transactions aren’t instantaneous, like my Halifax account was.
Err…… that’s it
My sister has an account now, and swears by them.
All sounds pretty great to me. Must be the polar opposite of the bank i currently use...I was invited to Christmas nibbles and drinkies last year where they all said hello to me.
Every time I call in, it’s a brew and some “how’s life?” chit chat.
Abroad at short notice?
Just ring them up with the limit you want on your card spend, and when you are coming back, all sorted, no online guff, no paperwork.
I think the Aylesbury branch has 70 clients, yes seventy! Although I hear some of these are a lot more loaded than me (that’s not difficult though).
I can use their car park in town FOC.
Anything they consider unusual on my account, immediate phone call.
Downside
Its £15/month.
Transactions aren’t instantaneous, like my Halifax account was.
Err…… that’s it
My sister has an account now, and swears by them.
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