Nationwide to make key change to 605 branches by May – full list | Personal Finance | Finance
Nationwide has confirmed that a major change will be implemented across all of its brances by May. Nationwide has emerged as the first major UK banking institution to release comprehensive access guides in a development that enhances accessibility nationwide.
The building society stated the scheme, created alongside accessibility experts AccessAble, will enable customers to verify beforehand whether branches satisfy their requirements, from step-free entry to hearing loops and British Sign Language (BSL) assistance. Guides for over 500 branches are currently available, with all 605 scheduled to be included by the end of May 2026.
The drive arrives as high street banks persist in closing branches rapidly – with 37 outlets shutting daily in 2024 – yet Nationwide has committed to maintaining all of its 605 locations open until at minimum 2030.
‘Purple Pound’ worth £446bn
The initiative is also intended to harness the so-called ‘Purple Pound’ – the purchasing power of disabled households – valued at approximately £446bn annually, reports <a href=”https://www.express.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/2184095/Nationwide-makes-key-change-to-605-branches” rel=”Follow” target=”_self”>the Express</a>.
Despite this, research reveals numerous companies are neglecting to accommodate disabled consumers:
- 82% say missing accessibility information is the biggest barrier
- 79% struggle to judge whether a service will meet their needs in advance
Separate data indicates businesses that achieve accessibility correctly could secure substantial benefits as 70% of disabled customers return to accessible venues with 66% recommend them to others
Nationwide stated that clearer information could assist in revitalising struggling high streets by drawing more customers.
What the guides include
The new guides, accessible through Nationwide’s branch locator, deliver detailed and visual information on:
- Step-free access
- Layout and entrance details
- Hearing assistance such as loops
- Lowered counters
- Communication support, including BSL
- Availability of safe spaces for domestic abuse support
Virgin Money is anticipated to introduce similar guides for its 91 branches by 2026’s conclusion.
Call for firms to follow suit
Nationwide is now calling upon businesses throughout all industries to publish accessibility information online, maintaining it represents a straightforward and economical measure that could prove transformative.
Stephen Noakes, Nationwide’s Director of Retail, said the responsibility should not fall solely on banks. He said the Treasury Select Committee was right to examine financial inclusion, but added that “other sectors have a role to play too”.
He said making accessibility information available was one of the simplest changes firms could implement, adding that businesses should “start with sharing the facts”.
