Post Office plots branch overhaul

The Post Office is putting the finishing touches to a radical rebranding of its 11,500-strong branch network as part of its modernisation programme designed to get it closer to its customers.
The state-owned organisation has already ushered in longer opening hours, with 2,500 branches also opening on Sundays, but the main thrust is in financial services; 100 branches have mortgage advisors and current accounts can be opened in 240 outlets.
Late last year, it signed a £100m technology deal with Computacenter, to bring in over 30,000 new devices as part of an 18-month hardware refresh, including desktops, laptops and the introduction of tablets in a bid to provide better customer service.
Meanwhile it also appointed Rapp, CACI and Aimia to share its £10m data analysis account to improve targeting. Medialab was recruited to handle the £1m brokerage brief.
The Post Office already offers a current account, savings accounts, mortgages, insurance and currency services but feels customers do not regard it as a first port of call for these things. It hopes bringing the products together under a new brand – Post Office Money – will help.
Post Office Money director of financial services Nick Kennett said: “We will have further product announcements coming shortly but overall we hope the new brand will ensure that Post Office Money is recognised by customers who wouldn’t normally consider us for their financial products.
“Through the new Post Office Money brand we want to become people’s first choice when thinking about a mortgage, credit card or a safe haven for their savings.”

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