08 December 2025
Bira has thrown its weight behind a protest march on Lloyds Bank's London headquarters by Penzance businesses and campaigners fighting to save their local branch.
Bira said it fully supported the action on Tuesday 9 December, which will see protesters deliver petitions signed by nearly 3,000 people opposing the closure.
Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira, said: "We wholeheartedly support the Penzance campaigners taking their fight to Lloyds' doorstep. This is exactly the kind of action needed to show banks they cannot simply abandon communities that have supported them for generations.
"The proposed replacement of a single community banker visiting once a fortnight is an insult to a town the size of Penzance. Over 33,000 customers will be left without a local branch, with the nearest alternative almost 40 miles away."
The association highlighted the case of Sue Calvert, director of Alfred Smith and Son in Penzance, a furniture retailer which has banked with Lloyds for over 100 years. Mrs Calvert said face-to-face banking was essential to maintain and keep customers safe.
Liberal Democrat MP Andrew George will join the protest at Lloyds' headquarters at 33 Old Broad Street at 11.30am on Tuesday, before formally delivering a petition in the Chamber of the Commons later this week.
Mr George has gathered cross-party support for a parliamentary motion criticising Lloyds' decision and calling on the government to protect face-to-face financial services.
The closure of the Penzance branch in January will leave Cornwall with just one Lloyds branch in Truro by the end of 2026 to serve the entire county.
Bira is calling for a review of the rules governing bank closures, more notice to businesses before closures take effect, and greater support to help firms adjust to the loss of local banking services.
From Banking Hubs to offical advice on spoting counterfeits - bookmark Bira's finance hub
What happens if and when the last bank in the high street closes? Check out the finance hub for our full explainer on what Banking Hubs are and how they can be a high street lifeline for those that need crucial in-person banking services. You can also keep up with the latest news and resources on what's important for your indepedent retail business when it comes to finance.
Bira's advocacy takes your voice to the heart of Parliament
Bira is at the forefront of championing the cause of independent traders and shopkeepers across Britain.
Our campaigns cover a wide spectrum of issues crucial to the success of independent traders including:
- Combatting the rising tide of retail crime
- Advocating for changes in legislation that promote fairness and flexibility
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- Overall reducing the regulatory burden
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