Just had this nasty letter slapped thru my post box. my comments are in [...]

As part of Abbey's continuing improvement and rationalisation programme, Business Banking have moved all its operational areas into one site. This will improve the efficiency of our operation, which will in turn will mean that we can provide you with an even better service (sic).

As a result of thie move, weve had to make some changes to some of the number you use to contact us on.

Fax Numbers
01633 222441 -> 0845 607 6300
01633 222441 -> 0845 607 6297

[this is the best bit]
As you will now see, we have also taken the opportunity to change from National rate numbers to local rate numbers, so in most cases it will now cost you less to get in touch with us.
[Obviously someone hasnt relised theres no such thing as local rate calls anymore]

The phone number to contct us from abroad is also changing:-
Old Number 01633 227 001 -> 0161 951 5777
-----
I just phoned them up on 18866 on the 0161 to ask why theyve changed and got the usual cr*p about "we get so many calls its easier to route an 0845" and then got told "if you dont like paying extra for calls dont call us" and then they hung up on me!!!!!

wrote on Jun 10^th, 2005 at 11:14am:

I just phoned them up on 18866 on the 0161 to ask why theyve changed and got the usual cr*p about "we get so many calls its easier to route an 0845" and then got told "if you dont like paying extra for calls dont call us" and then they hung up on me!!!!!

I certainly won't (I got rid of my Abbey accounts some time ago).

However, it really makes you wonder whatever happened to the concept of customer service in this country!

That reply says it all (and shows they know they are lying when they state, "As you will now see, we have also taken the opportunity to change from National rate numbers to local rate numbers, so in most cases it will now cost you less to get in touch with us.")

exactly what I thought.
--
I had the chairmans office phone me back late evening, apolgising for the service I had recived and begging me not to leave abbey.

They also tried to fob me off with, "due to the amount of calls they get its easier for customers to dial one number".

I however have had them promise to send me a full list of geographic numbers, Ill belive that when I see it.

Why dont it surprise me I havent had that GN list which was promised to me.

wrote on Jun 28^th, 2005 at 2:30am:

Why dont it surprise me I havent had that GN list which was promised to me.

That just proves that 'the chairman's office' is also prepared to lie - and shows they, too, don't care about customers.

Although this is not as good as an 01/02 number i can give you the code for direct dial to your local abbey branch.

0551143 ****
0551144 ****

replace **** with the branch number as a four digit code, you'll find this on your receipts, instant statements, atm receipts, inside your passbook etc old n&p branches tend to start 1*** whereas most will be 0***.

the 0551144 option is for the manager's phone. nb this does work it's the branch xd number, the branches no longer have 01/02 numbers and as such you'll never get a list of one. and unlike in the past when branches would change their number if it became over used, this won't happen now for ease of comms between branches !

i hope this is useful to you    ;D ;D ;D ;D

[quote author=aflack i hope this is useful to you  [/quote]


Not really i am afraid. I think your find that calls to these corporate rate 05511 numbers are charged by BT at 5p a min at all times.Which is even dearer then 0845!!!