Which? names best current accounts but issues warning to millions of customers
https://fed.brid.gy/r/https://www.mirror.co.uk/money/which-names-best-current-accounts-36272293
#NatWest
Lloyds and Natwest shares fall in ‘perfect combination’ of fears
Friday 14 November 2025 10:57 am | Updated: Friday 14 November 2025 6:02 pm Share Facebook Share on Facebook…
#NewsBeep #News #Headlines #autumnbudget2025 #banking #Banks #barclays #Budget #Budget2025 #Business #labour-party #lloyds #LloydsBank #lloydsbanking #lloydsbankinggroup #NatWest #RachelReeves #UK #ukeconomy #UKGovernment #UnitedKingdom
https://www.newsbeep.com/251280/
@kolombiken I had the same with a UK banking app from #NatWest, when the *only* way to access online banking was using the app. So I switched banks, and can use the app from a different UK bank, #Lloyds two years later with the same creaking old phone.
Clearly this is a choice.
My phone is a pretty ancient #Android costing £60 on eBay, which I like.
Full list of 2025 bank closures from Lloyds, NatWest and more – including 23 in November
Top award for founder of Gower View Foods
The annual award recognises individuals who have made an exceptional contribution to the Welsh dairy industry.
Established in 2007, under Jon Lewis’ leadership, Gower View Foods has grown into one of the UK’s most recognised independent butter and dairy co-packers, supplying leading brands for many of the major retailers and food service providers across the UK and Europe.
Based at a modern, purpose-built manufacturing facility in Cross Hands, Carmarthenshire, the company’s co-packing capabilities range from portion-sized butter and bulk block production to a wide range of flavoured butters, flavoured creams, and promotional packaging solutions.
In addition to its co-packing services, Gower View Foods also produces its own range of products, including the notable Shirgar Butter and Ísey Skyr, made using a traditional Icelandic recipe on its state-of-the-art Ultra Filtration plant.
Recognised as one of the 50 fastest-growing businesses in Wales in 2020, the company’s success has been driven by a flexible, collaborative approach and more than 30 years of collective experience in the dairy industry.
Under Mr Lewis’s leadership, the company has created skilled jobs in West Wales and has made a substantial contribution to the local economy through sustained investment, product development, and rural employment.
Sustainability is a cornerstone of operations, with ongoing investment in renewable energy generation, recyclable packaging, plastic reduction initiatives, and advanced effluent treatment systems, supporting both environmental objectives and long-term business resilience.
The award was presented to Mr Lewis at the Farmers’ Union of Wales’ annual Eve of the Welsh Dairy Show Dinner, sponsored by NatWest Cymru, held at Carmarthen Livestock Market on Monday, 27 October 2025.
Presenting the award, FUW President Ian Rickman said:
“Jon Lewis’s leadership has made a significant contribution to the Welsh dairy sector. Through his focus on innovation, sustainability, and job creation, he has demonstrated how strong business vision can deliver real benefits for both the industry and rural communities. His achievements with Gower View Foods are an excellent example of how Welsh dairy can compete and thrive on a national stage.”
Rhys Williams, Director, Commercial Banking at NatWest Swansea & West Wales said:
“Jon Lewis has shown how strong leadership and strategic investment can turn a local business into a national success story.
“His achievements with Gower View Foods demonstrate how commercial success and community benefit can go hand in hand, creating skilled employment, supporting local supply chains, and contributing to the wider prosperity of rural Wales.
“NatWest Cymru is proud to help celebrate such an inspiring example of sustainable business growth.”
#CrossHands #FarmersUnionOfWales #GowerViewFoods #Natwest #WelshDairyShow
Manchester Evening News: Number one for news, opinion, sport & celebrity newsmanchestereveningnews.co.uk@web.brid.gy
2025-10-30UK bank account holders told 'act early' as some could get £200
Microsoft Outlook, Xbox and Asda suddenly crash affecting thousands
Manchester Evening News: Number one for news, opinion, sport & celebrity newsmanchestereveningnews.co.uk@web.brid.gy
2025-10-29Full list of banks shutting on UK high streets this November including two in Greater Manchester
Legal & General in talks to acquire NatWest's Cushon pensions business
Legal & General (L&G), the FTSE-100 asset management and pensions specialist, is reportedly considering acquiring Cushon, NatWest Group's workplace pensions provider. L&G is among several suitors expressing interest, although competition for the purchase is described as significant. If successful, t... [More info]
NatWest CEO Reshapes Leadership with New Role for Customer Service Focus
The CEO of NatWest Group, Paul Thwaite, is continuing his efforts to reshape the leadership at the bank as part of a broader transformation strategy. This comes after the bank returned to full private sector ownership earlier this year. A significant change announced is the creation of a new executi... [More info]
New banking hub confirmed for Gorseinon after branch closure announcements
Shared banking space
The hub will be delivered by Cash Access UK before the closure of a local branch next year. It will provide counter services run by Post Office staff, allowing customers to withdraw and deposit cash, pay bills and carry out everyday transactions.
Private consultation rooms will also be available, where customers can meet community bankers from their own bank on a rotating basis to discuss more complex matters.
Gorseinon will be the second banking hub in Swansea, joining the existing facility in Morriston.
Local banking picture
The announcement comes after a series of high‑street bank closures across South West Wales:
- Barclays shut its Gorseinon branch in February 2022, citing a steep fall in counter transactions. At the time, the bank revealed only 83 customers used the branch exclusively, while 83% were already banking online or by phone.
- HSBC closed its Alexandra Road branch in June 2021. Lloyds has announced it will close its Gorseinon branch in October 2025, leaving Principality Building Society as the only remaining provider in the town and prompting the creation of the new banking hub.
- In nearby Pontardawe, Lloyds Bank’s planned closure has been branded a “betrayal” by Senedd Member Sioned Williams, who warned it would leave the entire Swansea Valley without a single bank branch.
- TSB announced the closure of its Carmarthen branch in September 2024, part of a UK‑wide cut of 36 branches and 250 jobs, with just a handful of customers still using the branch regularly.
- NatWest’s decision to close its Neath branch has also been met with “deep disappointment” from local representatives, who warned of the impact on businesses and vulnerable residents.
The new Gorseinon hub is intended to ensure residents and businesses continue to have access to face‑to‑face banking services despite this wider trend of closures.
LINK statement
Chris Ashton, Chief Commercial Officer at LINK, said:
“While more people are switching to digital banking and payments, we know that many people still rely on and choose to use cash. That’s why we’re delighted to recommend Gorseinon as one of 11 new hubs today.”
Related stories on bank closures
Barclays confirms closure of bank branches in Gorseinon and Port Talbot
Barclays shut its Gorseinon branch in February 2022, saying only 83 customers used it exclusively, with most already banking online or by phone.
Senedd Member speaks out on ‘deeply disappointing’ Lloyds response on Pontardawe bank closure
Sioned Williams MS warned the closure would leave the entire Swansea Valley without a single bank branch, affecting up to 25,000 people.
TSB announces closure of Carmarthen branch
TSB confirmed its Blue Street branch would close in September 2024, with just five customers regularly using it for personal or business banking.
‘Deep disappointment’ over NatWest’s Neath branch closure
Senedd Member Sioned Williams said the decision was a “scandal” that would hit local businesses and vulnerable residents in Neath.
Correction: An earlier version of this article stated that Lloyds was one of the only banks still open in Gorseinon. In fact, Lloyds has announced its branch will close in October 2025, which was a catalyst for the new banking hub. The branch remains open until then.
#bank #bankClosure #BankingHub #Barclays #CashAccessUK #Gorseinon #HSBC #Link #LloydsBank #money #Natwest #PostOffice #PrincipalityBuildingSociety #TSB
NatWest Considers Selling Workplace Pensions Provider Cushon After Just Two Years
NatWest Group is reportedly in discussions to sell its workplace pensions provider, Cushon, which it acquired only two years ago for £144 million. The move comes as NatWest’s CEO, Paul Thwaite, seeks to refocus the bank on its core priorities, including simplifying operations and managing its balanc... [More info]
Manchester Evening News: Number one for news, opinion, sport & celebrity newsmanchestereveningnews.co.uk@web.brid.gy
2025-09-19Major banks including Lloyds, NatWest and Co-op offering up to £200 free cash for switching now
🚀 Selected for the #NatWest and #UlsterBank #Entrepreneur Accelerator, gaining access to top-tier mentorship and growth support for #DigitalStrada.
"NatWest sets £200bn climate and transition finance goal for 2030"
#NatWest #Finance #Banks #Climate #ClimateChange
https://www.edie.net/natwest-sets-200bn-climate-and-transition-finance-goal-for-2030/
Historic Pembrey hotel enters new chapter under local ownership
The Ashburnham Hotel, affectionately known as The Ash, has been welcoming guests for nearly 200 years. Now, under the ownership of Caroline and Chris Jones, the venue is poised to become a revitalised hub for tourism, weddings and community events.
The couple secured a commercial mortgage earlier this year to purchase the property and have already begun upgrading the hotel’s facilities. Their plans include restoring the restaurant and event spaces, with ambitions to create up to 10 new jobs within the first year.
Caroline Jones, Co-owner and Director, said: “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to run The Ash, a place with such rich history and significance to the community. Our goal is to make it a vibrant hub for tourists and locals alike, and the perfect venue to stay, host events, and dine.”
Located in the village of Pembrey, close to the boundary with Burry Port, The Ash is well positioned to support Carmarthenshire’s growing tourism economy. The hotel has long served as a community gathering point, and the new owners are committed to preserving that role while enhancing its offer.
Caroline and Chris bring over 25 years of business experience from running a successful mechanical garage nearby. They are keeping the hotel open throughout the refurbishment, using their hands-on skills to repaint, redecorate and repair the building themselves.
Huw Simpkins, Regional Relationship Manager at NatWest, said: “Supporting local businesses like The Ashburnham Hotel to grow is central to what we do. Caroline and Chris’ complete dedication to their community and their vision for securing the future of The Ash is an example to business owners across the country.”
The expansion will allow the hotel to host more weddings, family celebrations and community events, with several local clubs already using the venue as a regular meeting space.
#AshburnhamHotel #BurryPort #Business #hotel #Natwest #Pembrey #tourism
Manchester Evening News: Number one for news, opinion, sport & celebrity newsmanchestereveningnews.co.uk@web.brid.gy
2025-07-09Full list of 55 more NatWest branches set to close in 2025
‘Deep disappointment’ over NatWest’s Neath branch closure
The Neath NatWest branch is known to be a hub for local banking services and is sometimes used for events like the NatWest Ospreys Cup semi-final draw.
Sioned Williams MS, Plaid Cymru Member of Senedd for South Wales West, whose office is 500 feet from the NatWest Neath branch in the town centre, has expressed her “deep disappointment” in the closure decision.
Sioned Williams MS, Plaid Cymru Member of Senedd for South Wales West, said: “I have today written to NatWest to express my concern at the impact of their decision to close the Neath branch, and ask them to rethink their decision.
“This is the latest in the ongoing trend of high-street banks closing their physical premises, cutting many individuals and businesses off from in-person banking services.
“High Street Banks are quick to advertise themselves as the heart of community, and happy to profit from that, but are quick to forget the responsibility that should lie with that position. I think it’s a scandal that banks which make huge profits are not obliged to provide services to the communities that have been their faithful customers for decades.
“The gap left behind by these high street banks are more than just the empty shop fronts. Ensuring that we retain the ability to transact with cash in our communities is a matter of fairness and inclusion, and it will be a blow to local businesses in Neath who use NatWest and are trying so hard to keep the town centre vibrant and flourishing and to the customers who want and need local in-person banking services.”
Bridgend-based environmental management specialist to expand its services with £350,000 funding boost
The firm, which has been in business for more than 20 years, offers a range of services to different industries including flood protection, pollution control and contaminated land treatment as well as dealing with on-land oil spills.
Operating from Village Farm Industrial Estate in Pyle, Bridgend, the business also has a second premises in Exeter and thanks to the funding is soon to be opening a third in the Midlands, creating new positions in many areas of company operations.
Throughout its history, GEO Pollution Technologies has built up a prestigious roster of clients, including the National Grid, Southern Electric Power Distribution Plc (SSE), Celsa Steel Service and National Trust, as well as working with industry leaders in the UK aerospace, defence, and security sectors.
The team works closely with customers to ensure that effective environmental management processes are in place for business and local communities.
The business is also an accredited UK Spill emergency responder for land-based, freshwater and groundwater spills, plus contaminated soils, with specially trained staff on call 24 hours a day throughout the year.
NatWest says that this latest funding deal comes as part of the bank’s commitment to supporting regional growth throughout Wales. The facility will enable the firm to drive business growth, including expanding its headcount, having already boosted its ranks in recent years, as turnover grows.
NatWest added that as one of the UK’s biggest banks for small businesses, it works collaboratively with customers to understand their needs and help them find solutions to support their businesses as they grow.
David Welsh, Finance Manager at GEO Pollution Technologies (UK), said: “We’re thrilled to have secured this latest deal with NatWest, which will play a key role in the pursuit of our ambitious growth plans by helping to increase our headcount and serve more customers with the evolving environmental challenges they face.
“NatWest has already proved it really understands our business, its ethos, and its ambitions and we’re keen to continue to develop that relationship and in doing so, make an even greater positive impact on the environment.”
Andrew Tummon, Business Development Manager at NatWest in Cardiff/South West, said: “Enabling regional growth and supporting sustainable business practices are part of our purpose of turning possibilities into progress, so we’re very pleased to have completed this deal for GEO Pollution Technologies (UK) helping to expand the scale of its environmental protection business.
“David and the team at GEO Pollution Technologies have a strong focus on long-term success which aligns really well with our values here. We’ll continue to support them with our sector expertise and we’re looking forward to seeing their future successes”.
Temporary banking hub opens in Ystradgynlais
The banking hub will be temporarily located in The Welfare on Brecon Road in Ystradgynlais until a permanent home can be found for the hub in the town.
Customers of all major banks can visit the hub any weekday between 9am-5pm to carry out regular cash transactions including cash withdrawals and deposits as well as checking balances or paying bills.
Additionally, the hub also offers a community banker service where customers can talk to their own bank in a private space about more complicated issue on the day their bank is in the hub. This is on a rota system, with Barclays on Mondays, Santander on Tuesdays, Lloyds on Wednesdays and HSBC on Thursdays.
It is understood that NatWest are considering taking the slot on Fridays, subject to negotiations.
Gareth Oakley, CEO at Cash Access UK: “I’m happy to announce that we have opened the new banking hub in Ystradgynlais, giving local residents renewed access to cash and in-person banking services. The hub is available for everyday banking transactions every day of the week, and for more specific or complex enquiries, a community banker will be on-site to assist on designated days.”
Ystradgynlais has been without a bank since September 2023 when Lloyds left the town, prompting a two-year campaign for a banking hub.
Although the regulator – LINK, rejected an initial request for a banking hub made by David Chadwick MP, they later changed their mind following an appeal launched by the Welsh Liberal Democrats.
David Chadwick contested several aspects of data that had been used by the regulator and collected evidence from businesses, charities and clubs across the town on what impact the lack of cash services was having on them.
Thanks to these testimonials, alongside signatures collected by the party, Chadwick was able to convince the regulators to approve the hub.
Today, at the opening of the temporary hub, David Chadwick and Jane Dodds MS presented a Ystradgynlais RFC Rugby jersey to the hub.
Commenting at the event, Liberal Democrat MP for Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe David Chadwick said: “Submitting the request for this banking hub was one of my first acts as your new MP and something I had campaigned for long before being elected.
“I’m delighted that the hard work we have put into this campaign has paid off and the town and wider area will be able to benefit from having banking services restored.
“I’d also like to particularly thank Ams from The Old Temp Fish Bar, who helped me gather evidence from other local businesses for the appeal case.
“I’d also like to say a massive thank you to everyone in the community who backed the campaign, this is a win for the whole town.”
Adding her comments Lib Dem Senedd Member Jane Dodds MS said: “I’m delighted that we have been able to deliver such a vital project for Ystradgynlais after two hard years of campaigning.
“I’d like to thank all the local residents, businesses and clubs who supported our campaign, signed our petitions and provided us with the evidence we needed to make the case for the regulators.
“It goes to show that when you really fight for something, you can achieve positive changes.”
#bank #BankingHub #Barclays #HSBC #LloydsBank #Natwest #Santander #WelshLiberalDemocrats #Ystradgynlais
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