- Portman is extending the opening hours of 16 branches that are currently only open on a part-time basis. All of the branches will now be open full time.
- In a move that is believed to be a first in the financial services industry, 9 of these branches, which are not currently operating economically, are being given extended opening hours to encourage greater usage. Customers of these branches are being given a unique opportunity to “vote with their feet” over the next 12 months, to show that they wish to keep their branch.
- Portman’s major branch refurbishment programme continues. Wimborne (Dorset) is being refurbished in October, and both Littlehampton and Chichester (Sussex) were refurbished in September.
- After a careful review, Portman has decided to close its branches in Lewisham, Thatcham and Newquay.
Robert Sharpe, Chief Executive comments: “Portman’s commitment to its branch network has never been greater. I believe that our decision to give customers of 9 currently under-used branches the opportunity to show us that they want to keep their branch, reflects that. The Society is continuing to invest heavily in the facilities provided by our branches. Our ongoing refurbishment programme incorporates improvements in disabled access and enhanced security measures.
“Any branch closure is always a last resort decision. We cannot, however, allow successful branches to subsidise those recording losses because it impacts adversely on our ability to provide the competitive products and pricing our members have come to expect. We must be fair to the membership as a whole.”
