McConnell loses Co-op Bank brief

The Co-operative Bank is to install new-look interiors and facias at its retail branches without the help of its long-standing design consultant.

The bank, which operates 100 outlets, is rolling out new branding by former Pentagram partner John McConnell across all its business sectors, including its supermarkets.

However, McConnell says he no longer works with the company. He says he was dropped less than a year ago, following the appointment of marketing director Zöe Morgan.

‘They told me that they could get the job done better and cheaper by using local, rather than London, consultancies,’ says McConnell, adding that The Co-operative indicated that it had selected a Manchester-based consultancy to design the bank interiors.

The Co-operative confirmed that 90 of its bank outlets will be complete by April. However, it was unavailable for further comment.