Manager welcomed to new community branch in Knaresborough

Download the press release here.

Heather Pearman has been appointed to manage our new community branch in Knaresborough and lead the team restoring access to cash and financial services in the market town.

Heather joins with over 10 years’ experience in financial services, having previously worked in roles including relationship advisor, customer service manager and personal banker for Knaresborough’s Bradford & Bingley and Santander branches for 15 years.

In her new role, Heather will draw on her connections with the Knaresborough community and in-depth understanding of the town to support residents with a range of products and services, enabling them to achieve their financial goals.

Since the last bank in Knaresborough closed in 2021, we have worked closely with North Yorkshire County Council and Harrogate Borough Council to restore local access to High Street banking.

Our community branch, located inside Knaresborough Library, opened in July to support locals with their savings, mortgage and investment needs. Bucking the national trend of branch closures, our commitment to maintaining our high street presence across North Yorkshire, the North East and Cumbria has enabled us to deliver our innovative community branch concept in a number of locations.

Heather said: “The people of Knaresborough have been crying out for the return of financial services to this thriving market town and we hope the arrival of our community branch will deliver the essential support they’ve been missing.

“After some time away from Knaresborough it’s a privilege to return to the town I love, and engage with some of the familiar and new faces that make this town such a jewel in North Yorkshire’s crown. I look forward to integrating our new community branch into the heart of Knaresborough and delivering the much-needed local financial facilities for people and businesses in our area.”

As our 31^st branch, the branch opening in Knaresborough Library follows the success of our community branch in Hawes, as well as similar initiatives in Yarm and Wooler.