The Mirror: The Heart of Britain [Unofficial]Nationwide explains reason for online change to customer accounts
Nationwide customers may see £84 payment land in accounts
https://fed.brid.gy/r/https://www.mirror.co.uk/money/nationwide-customers-see-84-payment-36877393
Nationwide statement over 'important' account change customers should make
Kit PetersBUSINESS REVOLT: Former Principality COO mobilizes ‘independent’ group to challenge WRU leadership as rugby crisis deepens
Rob Regan, former Chief Operating Officer of Principality Building Society, has issued a public call for change, declaring: “Time for change. Time for a better way. Time for Transparency.”
The move comes as criticism of the WRU’s leadership intensifies following a parliamentary hearing that prominent Welsh academic Professor Dylan Jones-Evans OBE described as “another failure of leadership in Welsh rugby.”
Mr Regan’s intervention marks the latest in a growing business community backlash against the WRU, following warnings from entrepreneur Hayley Parsons MBE that Welsh rugby is at a “point of no return.”
‘Call Already Gaining Traction’
Mr Regan’s LinkedIn post has attracted significant support, with business leaders and rugby figures offering to join his independent group.
Andrew Williams commented:
“Rob, I completely agree that transparency and independent oversight are essential if we’re going to move forward in the right way. Happy to get on board and contribute in any way that helps move things forward positively.”
Martin Newbury offered a detailed alternative vision, calling for “a growth strategy not a contraction strategy” with 15-year regional licenses to provide certainty.
Gareth Hardacre FCIPD directly contradicted the WRU’s “unsustainable” narrative, stating: “The whole move to 3 regions is flawed—the money is there to fund 4—just has to be reprioritised.”
‘No Doubt We Have Difficult Decisions Ahead’
In his LinkedIn post, Mr Regan outlined his vision for a more transparent approach to the future of Welsh rugby, emphasizing the need for independent oversight of decisions that could have “profound and irreversible impact on Welsh communities.”
Rob Regan said:
“I’m mobilising a group of Credible, Capable, Intelligent passionate independents to create a much more positive set of options for Welsh Rugby. No doubt we have some difficult decisions ahead, no doubt not all choices will be palatable but they need to be clear, transparent, well articulated to all Stakeholders of Welsh rugby. Communicated with humility, empathy and clarity.”
He added:
“Any decisions that have the potential to have such profound and irreversible impact on Welsh communities need independent oversight and challenge. They need scrutiny from those impacted by them.”
‘A Missed Chance’
The intervention follows a bruising appearance by WRU Chair Richard Collier-Keywood and CEO Abi Tierney before MPs, which Professor Jones-Evans said felt like “a missed chance” to rebuild trust.
Professor Dylan Jones-Evans OBE said:
“A parliamentary hearing is rarely the moment when ‘the truth comes out’ but it can show how an organisation thinks and behaves under pressure. The appearance of the chair and CEO of the WRU in front of MPs yesterday felt like a missed chance because when trust is already low, you don’t get to treat accountability as a formality. You either use the moment to bring people with you or, as happened, confirm that decisions are being made behind closed doors.”
He added:
“Both treated scrutiny as something to survive and by holding firm, they may think they looked strong and decisive. However, there is a difference between explaining hard choices and protecting a storyline and if the aim was to create a narrative to outlast the criticism, it failed.”
‘Hiding Behind Management Speak’
Professor Jones-Evans was particularly critical of the WRU’s use of jargon and process language, arguing that phrases such as “consent phase,” “exclusivity,” and “if consent fails, a tender” create uncertainty for those who depend on the system—players, staff, sponsors, and fans.
Professor Jones-Evans said:
“If you say the model is ‘unsustainable’ or you talk about investment, people want the basics such as where the money comes from, what it replaces, what it will be spent on, how you will measure success, what you will report publicly, and how often. Saying ‘we have a plan’ without showing the workings and people assume you’re selling them a decision not making a case.”
‘Rugby Is About Identity and Place’
He also warned that the WRU leadership appears to misunderstand the bond between supporters and their regional teams, treating fans “like customers who will simply switch brands.”
Professor Jones-Evans said:
“Rugby is about identity and place and if a region loses its pro team that isn’t a simple restructure but a break in a long-standing bond. If leaders don’t speak to that honestly, then anger and frustration grows.”
‘Decide, Announce, Defend, Outlast’
Professor Jones-Evans argued that the WRU has adopted a failing change model of “decide, announce, defend, outlast,” which destroys trust in the long term.
Professor Jones-Evans said:
“The better model is to be clear about the problem, show the options considered, explain why you rejected some, set dates for decisions, publish the financial logic and report progress publicly even when it’s uncomfortable. Right now the WRU’s leadership is asking Welsh rugby to accept huge uncertainty on the basis of reassurance rather than evidence and to believe in outcomes without being shown the workings. That is not leadership but control.”
‘Where Is Wally?’
Commenters on Mr Regan’s post also questioned the absence of WRU leadership from difficult public appearances.
Michael Edwards asked:
“Why is a Director and Dewi Lake left to answer the difficult questions? Where are the Chairman and the CEO when those questions are asked on live TV? It isn’t the job of the captain (whilst he did admirably) to face this. Where is Wally?”
The Crisis So Far
The intervention by Mr Regan and Professor Jones-Evans comes amid an escalating crisis over the future of the Ospreys, with Swansea Council launching legal action to block a proposed merger with Cardiff.
The council has sought an urgent injunction to stop a deal between the WRU and private equity firm Y11 Sports & Media, and has also called in the Competition and Markets Authority to investigate the proposed takeover.
Council Leader Rob Stewart has accused the WRU of operating in secrecy, while thousands of Welsh supporters have stayed away from recent international matches in protest at the governing body’s handling of the crisis.
Is it time for independent oversight of Welsh rugby? Have your say below.
#Business #DylanJonesEvansOBE #PrincipalityBuildingSociety #RobRegan #Rugby #WelshRugby #WRU
Principality opens new OneBanx cash kiosk in Maesteg as banks close branches across South Wales
Community celebration in Maesteg
Members, local community groups and pupils from Ysgol Cynwyd Sant joined Principality colleagues to mark the launch. Huw Irranca‑Davies MS and Stephen Kinnock MP also attended, meeting constituents and praising the investment.
The kiosk allows customers of most major banks and building societies to deposit and withdraw cash quickly and securely, without needing a card or paying fees. Transactions are instant, and the service is available in Welsh.
‘Vital support’ for residents and businesses
Kelly Young, Head of Customer Service – Savings at Principality Building Society, said:
“We are delighted to officially launch our OneBanx kiosk at our Maesteg branch, and welcome so many valued partners. This investment underlines our long‑term commitment to the high street and community, as well as ensuring local businesses and Members have access to the services they need.”
The kiosk will be open during branch hours six days a week, supported by Principality staff.
Politicians back new service
Huw Irranca‑Davies MS for Ogmore said the kiosk would “provide vital support for local businesses and residents, helping to sustain the area’s economic vitality.”
Stephen Kinnock MP for Aberafan Maesteg added: “With so many bank branches closing this kind of service is a lifeline – especially for older residents, small businesses, and anyone who still relies on cash. It’s not just about banking; it’s about keeping our communities connected and making sure no one gets left behind.”Wider picture: closures and new hubs
Wider picture: closures and new hubs
The launch of the Maesteg kiosk comes against a backdrop of widespread bank closures across South Wales. Lloyds Bank has already confirmed it will shut its Ammanford branch in January 2026, followed by Gorseinon in October the same year. In response, a new shared banking hub has been promised for Gorseinon to help fill the gap.
NatWest’s decision to close its Neath branch has been described as “deeply disappointing” by local representatives, while TSB is preparing to shut its Carmarthen branch in September 2024, leaving the nearest alternative almost 30 miles away. In Pontardawe, MP David Chadwick has urged Lloyds’ chief executive to rethink closure plans, warning that queues “out the door” show there is still strong demand for in‑person services.
Principality, by contrast, has been moving in the opposite direction. Earlier this year it opened a new branch on Swansea’s Oxford Street, underlining its pledge to maintain a high street presence until at least 2030. The new Maesteg kiosk is the latest sign of that commitment, offering reassurance to residents and small businesses who still rely on cash.
Related stories on local banking
Lloyds Bank to close Ammanford and Gorseinon branches in 2026
Closures will leave Principality as the only provider in Gorseinon until a new hub opens.
New banking hub confirmed for Gorseinon
Cash Access UK to deliver shared counter services and community banker support.
Principality opens new Swansea branch on Oxford Street
Move reflects commitment to in‑person services as banks scale back.
‘Deep disappointment’ over NatWest’s Neath branch closure
Senedd Member warns decision will hit local businesses and vulnerable residents.
MP calls on Lloyds CEO to halt Pontardawe closure
David Chadwick MP says queues “out the door” prove demand still exists.
TSB announces closure of Carmarthen branch
Blue Street branch to shut in September 2024, leaving nearest TSB 28 miles away.
#bankClosure #cash #cashKiosk #HuwIrrancaDaviesMS #Maesteg #money #PrincipalityBuildingSociety #StephenKinnockMP #YsgolCynwydSant
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
Council-backed scheme creates new business opportunities across Swansea
The £11.4m two-year initiative — supported by the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns scheme and private investment — is helping revitalise commercial spaces and create new homes across the city. More than £7m in funding has come from government support, with £4.3m invested by the private sector.
At Exist Skatepark, refurbishment plans will upgrade the venue’s exterior. Kate Leonard, who runs the skatepark, said: “The external refurbishment of our beloved skatepark will be a huge boost, not just to our skate community but to our neighbourhood and the city centre.”
On Oxford Street, a corner unit at the junction with Portland Street has become home to a newly opened Principality Building Society branch following refurbishment work. Meanwhile, along High Street, new businesses have moved into upgraded premises, including SA1 Grocery, Turkish Kitchen, and Imperial Desserts, alongside a refurbished ground-floor unit next door.
New city centre premises for Principality Building Society at the junction of Oxford Street and Portland Street.(Image: Swansea Council)New shopfronts at 20-24 High Street, Swansea city centre – including SA1 Grocery and Turkish Kitchen.
(Image: Swansea Council)
A host of other spaces have also been brought back into use across the city, including new commercial units created through conversions and refurbishments at Dillwyn Street, Whitewalls, Kingsway, and Park Street — as well as former pubs like the White Swan and Kings Arms. Community hubs, charity workspaces, and retail openings all form part of the mixed-use approach championed by the council.
Robert Francis-Davies, Swansea Council cabinet member for investment, said: “As Swansea’s £1bn regeneration continues at pace, it’s great to see us helping deliver new business opportunities. This is bringing more life to key retail areas, attracting new entrepreneurs and residents.”
The programme also supports regeneration in Morriston and Pontarddulais, with newly refurbished commercial and community spaces, including the Swansea Canal Centre, Morriston Tabernacle, and a new pharmacy with treatment rooms on Teilo Street.
Jayne Bryant, Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government, said: “I’m pleased to see more than £7m of funding from our Welsh Government Transforming Towns programme being used to create exciting new business opportunities across Swansea city centre. This brings the total contributed to regeneration projects in the city to £91m since 2020.”
“The mixed-use approach, with commercial activity at street level and residential spaces above, is just the model needed to ensure our city centres remain economically resilient places where people want to live, work and visit.”
#Business #ExistSkatepark #HighStreet #OxfordStreet #PrincipalityBuildingSociety #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil #TransformingTowns
Principality Building Society opens new Swansea branch on Oxford Street
The move from Kingsway to a more central, pedestrian-friendly location reflects Principality’s focus on providing accessible cash and in-person services at a time when many financial providers are scaling back their physical networks.
The launch event welcomed a range of local organisations and charity partners, including Swansea Bay Health Board, Team Wales, Swansea MAD, and educational support service 2B Enterprising. Principality colleagues have collectively raised £30,000 for Swansea Bay Health Board’s Cwtch Clos project, which supports families with infants in neonatal care.
Vicky Wales, Chief Customer Officer at Principality Building Society, said: “Our Swansea branch has played such a key role in our history and we’re very proud that our colleagues have been able to make such a positive impact on the local community. We know that a strong branch presence is a priority for our Members, and as Principality celebrates its 165th anniversary this year we will continue investing in our branch network and provide important in-person services.”
Principality’s own research shows that over 70% of people consider branch presence a key factor when choosing a financial provider — a figure that stands out as banks across the UK continue to announce closures.
Founded in 1860, Principality now operates 53 branches and 14 agencies across Wales and its borders. The Swansea branch first opened in 1934, and the new Oxford Street location is designed to offer a modern, welcoming space while staying true to the building society’s heritage.
#bank #buildingSociety #Kingsway #OxfordStreet #PrincipalityBuildingSociety #Swansea
Principality moves Swansea branch to new Oxford Street home
The new branch opened on Monday (9 June) with Principality saying the move marks a significant milestone in the branch’s history, reflecting its commitment to maintain its high street and community presence until at least the end of 2030 – recognising the importance of access to cash and in-person services for its Members.
Work on the new location has been underway for several months, with the aim of creating a modern, welcoming space that enhances Members’ experience while remaining true to Principality’s long-standing heritage – especially fitting as the building society celebrates its 165th birthday this year.
Commenting on the relocation, Vicky Wales, Chief Customer Officer at Principality Building Society, said: “Our Swansea branch has been a vital part of our story, and we’re incredibly proud of the role it has played in the local community over the years.
“Relocating to a more accessible, central, and pedestrian-friendly part of the city allows us to build on that legacy and strengthen our presence in the area – ultimately making it easier for Members to connect with us.
“We’re excited about this next chapter and look forward to enhancing our services and continuing to make more possible for our Swansea city community.”
Principality say they remain committed to local communities by partnering with local organisations and charities, particularly with ongoing work with Swansea Bay Health Board.
Colleagues from the business have collectively raised £30,000 for their NICU Houses project, an essential facility to support families with newborns in neonatal care, and the initiative reflects continued efforts the make a meaningful difference to the communities they operate.
#bank #buildingSociety #money #PrincipalityBuildingSociety #Swansea