FEATURE
Once , thriving shopping centres and bustling high streets were the place we ’ d find ourselves doing our daily purchases , bank transactions or gift shopping .
Building society helps high street footfall get back on track
The last 10 years have seen a significant decline nationally , with scores of empty shop units taking the place of big brands and independent businesses .
Now Darlington Building Society is hoping to change the gloomy forecast of our town centres and encourage others to do the same by reintroducing and investing in local branches right on our doorstep – a decision that comes at a time when major banks have closed several North-East branches .
Between 2012 and 2022 more than 5,000 banks and building societies closed their doors , but Darlington Building Society is one financial institution hoping for a change in direction after launching a major investment programme in all its nine branches .
Since 2021 the society has relocated three of their branches – including Redcar , Bishop Auckland and Darlington – to bigger , more modern sites .
Principles – Darlington Building Society chief executive Andrew Craddock said Mr Blair “ personifies our values of friendly service , a commitment to the community , loyalty and trust .”
Community – Relocating three branches and modernising six more underlines Darlington Building Society ’ s proud commitment to the North- East high street .
There have also been significant refurbishments at branches in Stockton , Middlesbrough , Yarm , Barnard Castle and Northallerton , with further work to take place in Guisborough .
The society ’ s distribution director , Louise Thorpe , said : “ We have a long and proud commitment to the high street , and our investment programme represents a further vote of confidence in the town centre .
“ While we are seeing more and more local branches being closed by banks , Darlington Building Society remains committed to the high street .”
Just a couple of weeks on from its Darlington branch opening – which saw HM Treasury exchequer secretary Gareth Davies and veteran Darlington market trader Robin Blair cut the ribbon to mark the occasion – colleagues are delighted that members new and old are coming through the doors pleased to see a friendly face with a welcoming smile .
Louise added : “ While we are pressing ahead this year with improving our digital services to members , we also want to retain that personal , face-toface interaction we ’ ve been known for throughout our 167-year history .
“ It is about providing members with choice and our aim is to be there for them when they need advice on complex
Honour – Veteran Darlington market trader Robin Blair joined HM Treasury exchequer secretary Gareth Davies to cut the ribbon at Darlington Building Society ’ s new branch in the town .
transactions , whether it be on savings or mortgages .”
Robin , who has served in the family fruit and veg stall for more than 70 years , said : “ Darlington Building Society has been part of the town for such a long time and it ’ s wonderful , and very important , to see it continuing to support the town centre .
“ The society makes a huge difference to the local community and that is very much appreciated .”
The society ’ s chief executive , Andrew Craddock , said Robin was chosen to be guest of honour at our latest branch opening because he “ personifies our values of friendly service , a commitment to the community , loyalty and trust .”
Find your local branch at Darlington . co . uk / branchfinder .
164 | Tees Business