Nationwide invests in community banking

We’ve created a community-focused concept for Nationwide, the world’s biggest building society, to revitalise local branches across the UK. This is a proactive response to their members and wider audiences’ shifts, both in behaviours and demographics, as well as how today’s customers engage with brands. The insight-led approach ensured every creative decision was based on addressing the emotional and physical needs of Nationwide’s members and those new to the brand.

Humanity, openness and connectivity are foremost in the new Nationwide spaces, that help consumers with their financial wellbeing and are sensitive to the unspoken anxiety and stress around managing money. Breaking from the often impersonal, austere feel of mainstream banks, our concept builds on the Nationwide mission, ‘building society nationwide’. It reflects Nationwide’s role as a trusted membership always doing the right thing for members, for all.

Understanding that technology is revolutionising modern banking, Nationwide recognises that today’s customers want the choice and convenience to do what they want, wherever they are, at the touch of a screen. It’s Nationwide’s belief as a building society that while technology provides convenience, it’s their people who shine, which has led to the investment in future branches and the staff within them. The concept brings staff to the forefront, by removing the physical barriers of closed counters and providing more open spaces, with a choice of places to serve members.

Integrating physical and digital connections to reflect the changing banking landscape, the 4C design concept allows consumers to choose their own pace and level of interaction. The four clear service zones are, Conversation, Convenience, Community and Consultation – all designed to transform the way in which Nationwide serves communities.

The convenience zone is for members who want to do things quickly and easily, like using the cash machine or speaking to one of the team at the counters.

The conversation zone is where staff are on hand for members when they need a little guidance, help with digital banking or just fancy a chat. Members and staff can engage around open service desks and a large community table at the forefront of the store. Sitting or standing side-by-side with an assistant, it’s ideal for quick conversations without the need to queue. There are also self-service points for express customer transactions, supported by clean, simple navigation.

The consultation zone gives members the opportunity to speak to one of the experts in a little more privacy. For more discreet, in-depth service, either in person or using Nationwide NOW a remote face-to-face video link mortgage consultation, there are a series of private consultation pods at the back of the store in the shape of Nationwide’s iconic house logo. Alternatively, members can opt for a semi-private meeting area with sound-proofed surrounds, depending on their needs.

The community zone is a space to bring together the great community work that Nationwide’s brand, branches and customers take part in. Each branch features a community lounge for a variety of local activities such as talks and events. Members can use the share on the community notice board, use the space to read, chat with trained staff or simply relax with a hot drink – they can also book the space to host small interest group gatherings.

Nationwide continues to invest locally, striving to serve people in different UK communities with successful launches in Barnstaple, Ashford, Harlow, Manchester, Poole, Wolverhampton, Hampstead, The Strand and more from June 2017.

The interiors have a homely, eclectic feel divergent from the ‘office’ aesthetic of traditional banks. Domestic furniture, including pieces from iconic British brands Ercol and Anglepoise – greenery and natural textured surfaces build this sense of warmth and welcome. Exposed brickwork was chosen for its symbolic value, linking back to houses and property; Nationwide provides 1 in 4 mortgages in the UK and is the UK’s highest-rated for customer satisfaction.

Radio has even been introduced to make the space livelier while offering acoustic privacy, and thoughtful touches like seating cleverly embedded into the queuing barriers, cane hooks next to the cash machines and mobile phone charging points can be found throughout. Conversational communications help to make complex financial topics more comprehensible and further humanise the brand. The Nationwide manifesto is proudly written on the wall, local imagery differentiates each branch, and storytelling highlights Nationwide’s considerable heritage and expertise.