THE Post Office is upgrading its stores to bring face-to-face banking services back to the high street.
Post Office Plus will transform some branches into hubs offering services from several partner companies on different days of the week.
The initial partners will be Utility Warehouse, Octopus Legacy and the Good Things Foundation, which will provide the following services:
• Utility Warehouse: help customers save time and money by offering energy, mobile, and broadband together in one place.
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• Octopus Legacy: help people put later-life plans in place, including wills, lasting power of attorney, trusts and estate planning.
• Good Things Foundation: support people to build confidence online, from basic digital skills to internet safety and everyday online tasks.
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The launch comes in response to customer demand for more in-person support during big life moments.
Bank branches have disappeared from the high street at an alarming rate, with 432 closing for good last year.
Meanwhile, companies increasingly push customers to manage their money or get financial support online.
The first two concept stores will begin to operate this week in Barnsley and Derby.
The Post Office plans to roll out more concept stores across the UK this year.
It also aims to scale across more sites and bring back services to local high streets.
Neil Brocklehurst, chief executive officer, Post Office, said: “Post Office Plus is designed to complement our existing branch network and gives partners space to offer valuable in-person support to customers at a location they trust.”
Post Office minister Blair McDougall MP said: “This is an exciting new chapter for the Post Office and for our high streets, bringing trusted, face-to-face services under one roof so people can easily access the support they need for the moments that matter most.”
