18 Dec 2023

Nationwide vows not to desert Mickleover as it reinforces commitment to UK high streets

  • Despite a population of 18,000c in Mickleover, Nationwide is the only remaining financial service provider
  • Nationwide reiterates its commitment that everywhere they have a branch they will remain through its Branch Promise
  • Mickleover branch has been proudly on the high street since 1980
  • More than three quarters (77%) of people value or depend on branches, research shows

Nationwide has committed to staying in Mickleover as the town becomes one of many across the UK impacted by unprecedented branch closures in recent years.  

Despite Mickleover having a population of 18,000c, Nationwide is now the last branch standing following the closure of Lloyds Bank in 2019. Britain’s biggest building society is reaffirming its commitment to communities by continuing to offer face-to-face service. Nationwide's Branch Promise means everywhere they have a branch they will remain until at least 2026.

As banks have shifted their focus away from physical branches, Mickleover is not the only town where Nationwide is now the last branch on the high street. Over 80 communities up and down the country have been left with just a Nationwide branch. The Mickleover branch has been in town since 1980 –a time when there were multiple bank branches.

Nationwide believes that a local banking presence is more than a financial service – it is a cornerstone of community relationships, which is why they serve more than 10,000 customers across the town. Nationwide’s research1 found that being able to speak to someone face-to-face (44%) was cited as the main reason why people who use branches value them.

The Mickleover branch remains busy today with ATM usage up 3% in the last 12 months.

Kimberly Bartle, Mickleover Branch Manager commented: “We understand that our customers are not just account holders - they are neighbours, friends, and integral members of the Mickleover community. The decision to maintain our high street branch reflects Nationwide's unwavering dedication to the local community. We remain steadfast in continuing to provide a warm and welcoming environment where customers can receive personalised attention, guidance, and support for their financial needs. High streets need as much support as possible and we look forward to welcoming more Mickleover residents to experience what face-to-face banking at their local branch means.”

Nationwide has donated £125,000 to three local charities across Derbyshire over the last four years through our Community Boards supporting local causes around Mickleover branch.

Nationwide announced earlier this year that due to not closing branches, it is now the biggest banking branch network in the UK3.

Notes to editors

1 Based on a nationally representative survey conducted by Censuswide of 2,037 UK consumers, carried out by Nationwide in September 2022.  Censuswide abide by and employ members of the Market Research Society which is based on the ESOMAR principles and are members of The British Polling Council. 

2 Community Boards in Derbyshire

Charity Name

Year

Postcode

Amount Awarded

Derby City Mission Limited

2020-21

DE1 2GU

£50,000.00

People Potential Possibilities

2020-21

DE7 8HU

£49,471.00

Family Support Derbyshire

2023-24

DE24 8BF

£26,528.00

3 CACI - Branch banking | Nationwide