The case of the disappearing bank
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BANKING

The case of the disappearing bank

It's one of the most famous addresses in the world. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's detective hero Sherlock Holmes had his home at 221b Baker Street in London and for many tourists travelling to London a visit is high on the list.

There never was a 221b but since 1932 that stretch of the street has been the headquarters of Abbey National, UK's fifth-largest bank, which is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year. Holmes fans still send letters to their hero at 221b although he would have been long dead even had he ever been alive. A member of Abbey's staff has a part-time job replying to them.

But Abbey is planning to move out in two years' time. The news has not been confirmed but it is almost certain that at least some of the 700 employees crammed in the old-fashioned building will be transferred to the new office in Euston Road.

At the moment functions including corporate development and planning, corporate affairs, risk and the secretariat have their headquarters in Baker Street but Abbey National Treasury Services with its 250 staff stuck in the basement of Abbey House is most likely to move out first.

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