See what MNers think of the Holborn Barclays branch - £250 voucher prize draw for feedback! NOW CLOSED

[MichelleMumsnet]

This thread is for the 15 Mumsnetters who attended an event at the Barclays branch in Holborn on 27th September.

Here’s what Rehanaz Noor, Branch Manager, says, “Thanks to all those who attended our branch session on Saturday – we had a fantastic morning, with lots of Mumsnetters testing out different parts of the branch and talking to Barclays colleagues about their everyday banking needs. We got some great suggestions on how we can develop the branches in a family friendly way, but we are always open to more, so please add your ideas below or head to www.yourbank.barclays.co.uk and join the conversation there”

Those who attended the event, please answer the questions below. Feel free to add any other thoughts you may have as well, of course.

Q.1 What was your overall impression of the branch?

Q2. How does the Holborn branch compare with other Barclays branches you’ve visited in the past? Do you prefer it? If so, why? If not, why not?

Q3. What did your DCs think of the branch?

Q4. Are there any further improvements you think could be made to the branch?

Everyone who attended the event and leaves their feedback on this thread will be entered into a prize draw to win a £250 Love2Shop voucher. The thread will be open for feedback until 14/10/2014. To read the full terms & conditions, please click here.

Thanks and good luck,

MNHQ

Thank you to everyone at Saturday's event. I attended and thought it was great! Answers below:

Q.1 What was your overall impression of the branch?
Good. Light, bright and spacious. Clear where to go and what you could do at the various machines. Machines were self-explanatory to use or you could easily request assistance. I liked that you could arrange a review/appointment via the machines too. The machines were similar to a tablet so easy to use. A pleasant seating area too.

Q2. How does the Holborn branch compare with other Barclays branches you’ve visited in the past? Do you prefer it? If so, why? If not, why not?
The Holborn branch was a refreshing change to other branches and banks. A pleasant environment. I prefer it over other branches for the reasons outlined above.

Q3. What did your DCs think of the branch?
My 4 year old said it was nice and the chairs were comfy! She really liked the Barclays children's magazine and so do I (as it kept her occupied for ages!) plus it had an educational angle too.

Q4. Are there any further improvements you think could be made to the branch?
Complimentary tea/coffee for customers?

Gaynor (Amy's mummy)

Q.1 What was your overall impression of the branch?

Fantastic branch. Clean lines, smooth rounded child-friendly edges, customer focused setup, light and airy. If all branches could be like this! Brilliant that there's a lift.

Q2. How does the Holborn branch compare with other Barclays branches you’ve visited in the past? Do you prefer it? If so, why? If not, why not?

Much more morden, better use if space, designed for efficiency and a lot more that one is able to do quickly or autonomously eg booking appointments in the self-service machine. Much prefer it as it serves the customer far better.

Q3. What did your DCs think of the branch?

Unfortunately DC was at home with DH, poorly :-(

Q4. Are there any further improvements you think could be made to the branch?

Everything seemed to have been thought of. I didn't notice gat baby/toilet facilities there were, but these are always welcome...

If there's a wait for an appointment, a coffee me home is always welcome. Perhaps something interactive for the children too eg banking app

Q.1 What was your overall impression of the branch?

We loved the overall feel of the branch: bright, light and spacious. The children (and I) were in awe of the technology available to facilitate banking transactions. Even though the machines could help with the majority of our banking errands, there were also lovely friendly staff on hand to guide us through how these worked and answer any additional questions (for example about opening bank accounts) so we didnt feel abandoned to machines. The staff really added value too and I learned a lot about some of the benefits of my premier account and how to use my Barclays iphone app to do more.

Q2. How does the Holborn branch compare with other Barclays branches you’ve visited in the past? Do you prefer it? If so, why? If not, why not?

This is our local branch but having visited others, this is really much more modern and spacious in design than many other branches in lots of ways. There seemed to be more and smarter machines than the last time we visited. It felt like the bank from the future! One nifty device was the machine where cheques could be paid in; I liked the way you got a handy mini scan of the cheques paid in on the receipt.

Q3. What did your DCs think of the branch?

The children had a good experience. My older son is fascinated by technology and happily got involved with some banking tasks such paying in cheques. My younger son spent a huge chunk of time poring over and colouring the children’s magazine. These books were really well thought out and very engaging with lots of quizzes and games as well as themed colourings related to banking / football. Both my children were also very keen to open up their own accounts and this was a straightforward process and the staff member was so efficient and friendly, my active boys were happy to sit there whilst this was done (without complaint!).

Q4. Are there any further improvements you think could be made to the branch?

No significant improvements to be made to the branch, we felt comfortable there as a family when we have visited and our expectations were exceeded in terms of proactive and friendly service.

Q1 overall I found the branch was very bright, modern and spacious. The lift was an added bonus.
Q2 a vast improvement to my local branch which is not at all buggy or wheelchair friendly. The self service tills seemed easier to use and much more functional.
Q3 my son was not so enthuastic and seemed more interested in running around! Mind you he is young but I was pleased to see that Barclays had taken on some of the ideas from the previous event to make the bank more childfriendly. The activity book and crayons were a nice touch.
Q4 a water fountain would be useful.

Q.1 What was your overall impression of the branch?
A really good branch with very helpful staff. It was lovely to see a young-ish female bank manager, I particularly found this refreshing and inspiring. I enjoyed the level of interaction between the staff and us the customers.

A very modern, spacious and engaging branch, which is forward looking and family friendly. It was exciting to see that they are one of the 200 branches that can print bank cards in-house. The self service machines were like no other i've come across in a bank. Key information like interest rates sheet was easily available. The effort to engage children in the financial literacy workbook was definitely impressive!

The layout of the branch is both open and private; open space with comfy seating, but also cubicles for one to one help. And even more private offices which can also accomodate breastfeeding mothers if needed - a wonderful feature. I also like the fact that some areas were carpeted and others not; this allows for crawl space for older babies and 'play' space for children if needed. I really like the branch and wish it was my local branch.

Q2. How does the Holborn branch compare with other Barclays branches youve visited in the past? Do you prefer it? If so, why? If not, why not?
There isn't much comparison really. The Holborn branch seems more open, flexible, accomodating and interesting. It's not stuffy and makes going to the bank enjoyable. I definitely prefer the Holborn model to the Barclays branches i've visited in the past.

Q3. What did your DCs think of the branch?
My DC loved the space and layout. He enjoyed crawling on the carpet and he found the curtains intriguing. He found the environment engaging overall and would have happily stayed there for hours without getting bored.

Q4. Are there any further improvements you think could be made to the branch?
It would be lovely if there is a way to be informed of the release of future editions of the financial literacy workbook; i'm definitely interested in getting hold of future copies for my DC. I wonder if the toilet area could be separated from the 'staff locker room' and baby changing facilities incorporated into it. If one is breastfeeding in the cubicles, It would be nice to know that one isn't on camera. A water fountain will be good. To further support the promotion of financial literacy and the family friendly feature of the branch, it would be nice to have a little area upstairs and downstairs that has financially related 'toys' like abacus, something maze-y / mathematical etc.

Thank you so much for a lovely time at your branch; it definitely made me see Barclays in a better way ... my interest in Barclays offerings is rekindled and I look forward to opening an account for my DC at Barclays soon.

Q.1 What was your overall impression of the branch?

My initial impression was that it was small, but light and airy - and felt rather spacious for it's size. Turns out it also has a big upstairs (with a lift up).

Q2. How does the Holborn branch compare with other Barclays branches you’ve visited in the past? Do you prefer it? If so, why? If not, why not?

It is much smaller than my local branch with not as many machines, and only one actual person at a desk. As the majority of my visits to a bank are actually to check my balance (as there is always a discrepancy between balance and available balance) I would still need to queue. The downstairs seating area with the magazines for the children was a good touch. I did also like the new whizzy self-service machines with the faster paying in and the ability to choose what denominations of notes, that is a fab extra.

Q3. What did your DCs think of the branch?

Ultimately, it's still a bank, not a swimming pool - so while they did have fun at points in the day, and definitely enjoyed the booklets for them to do, I don't think they would ever CHOOSE to go to a bank. Especially as there are no children's incentives on bank accounts, so it's not like there was any child focused branding that they could recognise (ie other banks give out money boxes/lolly pops aimed directly at the children - encouraging brand loyalty at an early age!).

Q4. Are there any further improvements you think could be made to the branch?

Definitely water, it was very warm in there. Co-op banks have hot drink machines too by the desks if you are having a longer appointment - which is a great touch. Also, either more than one person actually as a terminal/desk or ability to check pending transactions on machines in store.

Thanks so much for having us though, everyone was really kind and thoughtful towards the kids - and they LOVED the spinny chairs!

cod

Q.1 What was your overall impression of the branch?

It felt spacious - a little empty. Upstairs had some nice touches - with private booths and a good toilet (not sure if that can usually be used by the public. It had lots of employee gear in there. Downstairs was modern, light, airy.

Q2. How does the Holborn branch compare with other Barclays branches you’ve visited in the past? Do you prefer it? If so, why? If not, why not?

It was quite good. The entrance was nowhere near as exciting as the one at Tottenham Court Road with its escalator to the skies. It had whizz bang machines - enough to mean queuing would not be too long. It had adequate seating. The waiting rail was fun in design. Upstairs had a toilet, which was a bonus, though I suspect we would not usually be able to use it. The private booths seemed adequate. The staff were really kind and good at engaging the children and generally being helpful.

Q3. What did your DCs think of the branch?

My DC liked it, once he realised he could go anywhere and start making all sorts of play opportunities, such as running a pen along various surfaces, treating the upstairs info desk as a spaceship, spinning on chairs, and so on. The financial booklet was fun for 20 minutes. The staff were very friendly and good at engaging him.
It could not compete with Metro Bank though - which has a very fun interior and gets him every time, as it looks like a casino.

Q4. Are there any further improvements you think could be made to the branch?

A water cooler, even a hot drinks machine. Bigger, more colourful seating. Some magazines. Some small fixed toys to attract the attention of children. A fixed ipad with money or maths games.

In all, it was fun and interesting. Cheers.

Q.1 What was your overall impression of the branch?

My overall impression was very positive as it was large and spacious, so unlike my local branches where I live. It would not be a problem to get in there even with a double buggy as there are wide gangways and a lift to get upstairs if you had a meeting with a bank advisor. The interior had soft edges which made it child-friendly and queues could be limited by the new self-service portals, one of which is at a lower level for disabled users and young kids who like to press buttons!

Q2. How does the Holborn branch compare with other Barclays branches you’ve visited in the past? Do you prefer it? If so, why? If not, why not?

I much prefer it. It is much larger, has self-service banking tills , which I have not seen elsewhere. You can pay in cheques or money directly here, print-off statements, arrange appointments and do most things you would go to a bank to do there yourself. There are no barriers between you and the bank advisor, so, instead of you waiting the other side of the counter for help. You help yourself as far as you can and Barclays advisors are on hand alongside you to help in case you get stuck - a bit like the self-service scanners in a supermarket. The new systems seemed very easy to use and also fun to get the children involved in banking. It was my daughter's first visit to a bank as a toddler (i.e. when she actually understands what is going on properly) and it felt quite futuristic to be explaining to her that this is how we do our banking!

Q3. What did your DCs think of the branch?

My son (age just 2) loved running around as it was spacious and I think both kids enjoyed it. There were colouring/activity books and pens for them, which kept them entertained for a little while, however, my daughter (age 3) was particularly interested by the self-service machines (lots of buttons to press) and the round wooden booths upstairs where you can meet with a bank advisor - she thought they were like little houses.

Q4. Are there any further improvements you think could be made to the branch?

A nappy change facility in the toilets would be my main recommendation if any.

Q.1 What was your overall impression of the branch?
Good. It was modern, bright, spacious completely opposite of my local branch!

Q2. How does the Holborn branch compare with other Barclays branches you’ve visited in the past?
Compared with my local branches that are either quite dated, too small or both, this branch is brilliant. Lots of account managers & ATMs. Lots of space to manoeuvre a buggy, very clean, made the banking experience, with kids, less stressful.

Q3. What did your DCs think of the branch?
My eldest (4 years) thought it was 'ok' she enjoyed the 'Funancial Times' activity book but was quite bored otherwise..

Q4. Are there any further improvements you think could be made to the branch?
Toilets and baby changing facilities would be brilliant as well as a dedicated area for kids to do activities, their colouring and maybe some interactive games ontouch screens/iPads. Also readily available water and maybe tea and coffee for those with appointments upstairs.

Q.1 What was your overall impression of the branch?
It was good, spacious, clean and tidy. We liked the front desk, as the branch is rather big think it's handy being able to ask for help/ advice just as you walk in the door. Also I like the idea of having private booths upstairs, away from prying eyes, hustle and bustle etc, very nice touch!!

Q2. How does the Holborn branch compare with other Barclays branches you’ve visited in the past? Do you prefer it? If so, why? If not, why not?
We like it, it was much larger and the lay out was a lot better than in previous branches we've visited. Loved how spacious the branch was, didn't have to worry about manoeuvring the buggy or about it being in the way of others.

Q3. What did your DCs think of the branch?
My Dc (aged 15 month) loved the amount of space available to move about, and took a lot of interest in the account manager computers too. The seating area upstairs was comfy and spacious for little ones to sit on with parents. He enjoyed colouring the financial times too!

Q4. Are there any further improvements you think could be made to the branch?
I think it would be a nice touch if water, tea and coffee was available upstairs for when you have an appointment booked and are going to be in branch for a substantial amount of time, also baby changing facilities would be wonderful. And perhaps a small table and few chairs upstairs in the corner for children to colour and maybe even a few wooden toys for the smaller children. Leaflets on display of children's accounts would be good too, as I had to ask for one which had to be printed off.

Thanks for having us, the three of us had a lovely morning :-) xx

I didn't attend the event but co incidentally my partner said this morning how annoyed he was with this branch..he is a premium customer and he was annoyed he had to wait 20 mins to see a cashier. He didn't like the way staff asked if his query could be dealt with on a computer and when the answer was no, he simply had a 20 min wait while staff stood around chatting. I 've been in there and also found the system of registering your name to see someone very irritating when in a rush. The design of the branch is nice though

Thanks everyone for all your feedback. Congrats to Foxymumma who won the prize draw for a £250 Love2Shop voucher! We'll be in touch soon.