LONDON, UK – Santander announces the launch of its first UK Work Café which will open in Leeds on 18th July 2019. The Work Café adds a whole new banking experience to the UK market, reflecting Santander’s commitment to bringing innovation and investment to its branch network. The Work Café concept was initially developed by Santander in Chile and its success has seen it rolled out to Spain, Portugal, Brazil and Argentina.
Alongside state-of-the-art banking facilities, the Work Café will offer free co-working spaces and meeting rooms for local businesses and entrepreneurs, as well fast and secure free-wifi. It aims to create a vibrant hub for nurturing new business ideas and fostering collaboration in a relaxed atmosphere.
Located at the heart of the commercial centre at 10 Park Row, Leeds, LS1 5HD, the Work Café will bring back to life a branch which was previously closed at the end of June last year, welcoming both Santander and non-Santander customers.
Susan Allen, Head of Retail and Business Banking, Santander UK said:
“We’re absolutely thrilled to open the doors to our first Work Café here in the UK. More than a café and more than a bank, the Work Café is a whole new banking experience, acting as a vibrant hub for local businesses and the local community. Work Cafés have been a huge success with our customers in other countries around the world, so we’re really looking forward to seeing the response here in the UK.”
To ensure the café offers the highest quality of coffee, Santander has teamed up with coffee experts, Taylor St. Coffee, with every hot drink prepared by trained baristas. Santander card holders will have the added benefit of a 30% discount on hot drinks with café snacks also available on site.
Alongside the co-working spaces and bookable meeting rooms (up to two-hours each day) the new hub will host free Work Café Talks and events designed for the local business community. A total of thirteen employees will be on hand to offer support, with appointments available to meet on site with a Personal Banker, Business Relationship Manager or Select Relationship Manager for wealth clients.
With its growing reputation as an innovative city attracting strong digital talent and as one of the largest financial hubs outside of London, ranked number six for business start-ups, Leeds is the perfect location for the new Work Café.
The successful concept was first developed by Santander in Chile in 2016 and has since grown to over 50 Work Cafés globally.
