Competition in the UK Retail Financial Service Sector: Some Implications for the Spatial Distribution and Function of Bank Branches

Traditionally, banks have tended to operate in a highly stable environment. However, in recent years there has been a dramatic increase in competition in the UK retail financial service sector. Some of the reasons for this increase in competition are discussed in this article as are the implications it holds for the spatial distribution and functions of bank branches. Particular emphasis is given to the different ways in which the same, or a similar, service can be provided and the effects this is having on the skill requirements of bank staff.