Kindly shared by Bob Knox

Earlier this week I had another lunch with my good friend and ex colleague from Park Street, Dave Watling. Lots of reminiscing as usual but one subject was a visit to us this week from a Chris Whapples and his wife from Harrogate.

Chris joined the bank from school in the late 1960s but eventually left to become a civil and structural engineer.However he became one of the first customers of First Direct when it was created in October 1989 and is still a customer after 36 years.

This reminded me of discussions I was party to in the 1990s following HSBC taking over Midland. I was asked whether we should sell the brand as it wasn't making any money. In fact it was losing money. I said no and I think I was correct!!