NatWest cash in on Polish migrants

13 April 2012

Banking giant NatWest is cashing in on Britain's growing tide of migrant workers - by advertising in Polish.

The ads, on hoardings and bus shelters throughout the country, are promoting their Welcome Account, aimed especially at the UK's estimated 300,000 Poles.

NatWest are one of the first major British companies to advertise in the East European language.

The service would provide the workers with telephone and internet banking in their native tongue thanks to a call centre in Manchester staffed by Polish speakers.

A NatWest spokesman said yesterday (FRI): "The Welcome Account has been launched specifically to meet the banking needs of Polish-speaking migrants who are new to the UK.

"It is the first bank account where all services are in Polish, including telephone and internet banking as well as a dedicated telephony unit staffed by Polish speakers.

"There are approximately 300,000 Polish speakers working in the UK and NatWest conducted extensive research amongst existing Polish-speaking communities.

"It found that top of their wish list was the need to transfer money to family members in Poland in a cost-effective and secure way.

"NatWest is trying to make life a bit more straightforward by ensuring that banking doesn't pose an additional worry.

"The Welcome Account also allows a family member or friend in Poland, nominated by the account holder, to withdraw those funds from that account via a cash machine card."

Helen Page, NatWest Marketing Director, added: "The NatWest Welcome Account offers an entirely unique service.

"The typical Polish speaker in the UK is a young, skilled professional who is here to work hard and save money.

"Things aren't always easy when you are new to a country."

Since Poland entered the EU in 2004, at least 600,000 Poles have poured into Britain looking for work.

Areas with a large Polish presence include the West Midlands, Slough, Berks and Crewe in Cheshire.

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