‘Revolutionary’ bank eyes Leicester for expansion
Metro Bank has targeted Leicester as the next phase of its expansion plan, according to reports.
Business Live says the bank has given no timescale for the opening of the new branch, but says it will move into space currently occupied by Clarks and The Body Shop, opposite the Clock Tower in Leicester city centre.
Metro Bank says the move will create 25 jobs.
Ian Walters, managing director of retail and business banking at Metro Bank, told Business Live: “As the revolution in British banking, we’re excited to be coming to Leicester.
“We’re committed to bringing amazing customer service to local residents and businesses in the area.”
The news marks the end of protracted battle with Leicester City Council which started in 2017 with plans turned down to open a new branch on Humberstone Gate.
Metro Bank had previously announced it was opening in Nottingham, but doubts are circulating over the move after no work has taken place on the proposed site on Clumber Street over a year since planning permission was granted on the building.
The bank has admitted to TheBusinessDesk.com that it can’t provide any timescales for its Nottingham opening as yet.
A spokesperson for Metro Bank added: “We remain committed to bringing the banking revolution to Nottingham and hope to be able to open a new store there shortly.”
In May, Metro Bank posted profits of £4.3m – down from £8.6m a year ago.
It has endured a bad start to 2019. In January, the bank revealed that it had misclassified the risk weighting on a sizeable loan book book of loans, with the news wiping £800m off its value, which, in turn, forced the company to embark on a £350m equity raising drive.
