Ryan FowlerManchester Building Society has introduced the team that will run its new flagship branch at 74 King Street.
The branch will open its doors against the backdrop of widespread bank closures, with a commitment to providing accessible, in-person financial services, including savings products and professional financial advice open to all.
The nine-strong team will be led by development director Deborah Walker, with branch manager Gavin Bostock, assistant manager Chloe Parsons, and professional financial adviser Carl Shropshire. All staff have been recruited locally, bringing experience from retail, hospitality, financial services, and community work. The branch will also include a flexible collaboration space available free of charge to local groups and charities.
Bostock said: “I’ve spent 27 years working in retail in the North West and I’m thrilled to be back on the front line, ready to welcome customers and community groups into the King Street branch. I’m really happy to be working for a business that truly understands the value of face-to-face engagement and has a stated commitment to open branches across the region. The whole team is really passionate about making a difference.”
Parsons added: “Having worked in more of an office environment in recent years, I can’t wait to get back to those grassroots, genuine interactions with customers. A branch presence is really needed and the services we’ll be able to offer the wider community – such as a free use of meeting spaces – will hopefully prove really popular.”
Customer service adviser Ben Welch said: “Many people are in the dark about money – from savings and mortgages to pensions – so it’s great that we’ll have a financial advice offer in the branch. We’re also going to be open from 8am till 6pm Monday-Friday, and 9am till 1pm on Saturdays, which means there should hopefully be a convenient time for everyone to visit.”
Shropshire said: “It’s rare that a high street bank or building society has a financial adviser available to anyone. I’m looking forward to meeting prospective clients and helping them to understand the options they have for their money and how we can help them.”
Walker said: “We are committed to doing things differently at Manchester Building Society. Although we’ll of course have a digital offer for those who want it, we are committed to offering a deep human connection and will be there for people, in person, when they need us. This team brings a wealth of frontline retail and banking experience but also warmth, passion and emotional intelligence that we know customers will love. We can’t wait to throw open the doors to King Street and start supporting people with life’s biggest challenges.”
